Rohit Sharma made history at Lord’s, becoming the first Indian batter to achieve an ODI century at the venue. His performance came during India’s chase in the series-deciding third match against England on Sunday. This landmark innings occurred amid considerable scrutiny regarding his future in the ODI format.
The 39-year-old batter’s century was a significant response to speculation that the Lord’s fixture might be his final appearance in the format. He delivered a memorable innings on one of cricket’s most renowned stages, solidifying his place in Lord’s history.
Historic Milestone Achieved
Sharma’s century also established him as the oldest Indian to score an ODI century, and the oldest Indian batter to register a century across all international formats. At 39 years and 80 days, he surpassed Sachin Tendulkar’s previous record, who had scored an ODI hundred at 38 years and 327 days.
This century further enhanced Sharma’s impressive record in England, marking his eighth ODI hundred in the country. This achievement places him level with former England opener Marcus Trescothick. Only Joe Root, with 10 ODI centuries in England, has scored more hundreds in the nation. Sharma moved ahead of several international players who have seven centuries each in a single visiting nation.
The innings held additional importance as India pursued a challenging target after England posted 387 for 3 in the first innings. Ben Duckett scored 141 and formed a 192-run opening partnership with Jacob Bethell, who contributed 91. England’s batting dominance was evident against an inexperienced Indian pace attack, which was missing the injured Jasprit Bumrah.
Joe Root continued his strong form with an unbeaten 74, and Jos Buttler’s rapid 41 not out from 13 balls helped England achieve the highest ODI total ever recorded at Lord’s. Facing a substantial chase and external pressure, Sharma’s historic century not only kept India’s hopes alive but also secured his legacy at the Home of Cricket.
Performance Under Pressure
Prior to the match, questions surrounded Rohit Sharma’s future with India, including potential retirement or being dropped by selectors. The pressure intensified after England’s formidable total of 387/3 in 50 overs, the highest at the venue. Sharma needed a significant innings to make a statement.
For nearly three hours, Sharma demonstrated his ability, scoring 138 runs from 110 balls before his dismissal. Despite his efforts, India ultimately lost the match by 27 runs, with England winning the series 2-1. Sam Curran played a crucial role in restricting India’s chase, as the team went from 304/2 to 329/7.
Sharma’s innings, which saw him start cautiously before increasing his tempo, included taking on bowlers like Josh Tongue and Sam Curran. He reached his 50 in 50 balls and continued to accelerate, manipulating the field and finding boundaries against various bowlers, including Jofra Archer and Adil Rashid. His partnership with Virat Kohli, who scored 74, was vital in the chase.
The milestone of his 36th ODI hundred came in the 31st over, achieved in 84 balls against Rashid. His celebration, though understated, conveyed the significance of the moment, with his family, including his wife, present in the stands. Despite his dismissal while attempting to accelerate further against Bethell, his 110-ball 138 earned him a standing ovation from the crowd at Lord’s.
The match concluded with England scoring 387/3 in 50 overs, featuring Ben Duckett’s 141, Jacob Bethell’s 91, Joe Root’s unbeaten 74, and Jos Buttler’s unbeaten 41. India responded with 360/7 in 50 overs, highlighted by Rohit Sharma’s 138, Shubman Gill’s 77, and Virat Kohli’s 74, with Sam Curran taking 4/75.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
