Rohit Sharma made history at Lord’s, becoming the first Indian batter to achieve an ODI century at the venue. This landmark innings occurred during India’s chase in the series-deciding third match against England. The veteran opener’s performance came amidst considerable scrutiny regarding his future in the ODI format.
His century was a significant response to speculation that the Lord’s fixture could mark his final appearance in the format. Rohit delivered a memorable innings on one of cricket’s most renowned stages, keeping India’s hopes alive in a challenging chase.
Historic Milestone at Lord’s
At 39 years and 80 days, Rohit Sharma also became the oldest Indian player to score an ODI century. This achievement surpassed the previous record held by Sachin Tendulkar, who scored an ODI hundred at 38 years and 327 days. Furthermore, Rohit is now the oldest Indian batter to register a century across all international formats.
The century also bolstered Rohit’s impressive record in England, marking his eighth ODI hundred in the country. This places him level with former England opener Marcus Trescothick. Only Joe Root, with 10 ODI centuries in England, has scored more hundreds in the country. Rohit has now 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 formidable target. England had posted 387 for 3 in their first innings. The pressure on Rohit was immense, with questions looming about his place in the team and the need for a substantial innings to make a statement.
England’s Dominant First Innings
Earlier in the match, Ben Duckett scored a magnificent 141, forming a 192-run opening partnership with Jacob Bethell, who contributed 91. England‘s batting lineup dominated an inexperienced Indian pace attack, which was missing the injured Jasprit Bumrah.
Joe Root continued his strong form with an unbeaten 74, while Jos Buttler’s explosive 41 not out off just 13 balls helped elevate England’s total to the highest ODI score ever recorded at Lord’s. This massive total intensified the challenge for India and put Rohit under significant pressure to perform.
Despite the daunting target and external pressure, Rohit’s historic century not only kept India’s chase alive but also cemented his place in Lord’s history as the first Indian batter to score an ODI hundred at the venue. He scored 138 runs off 110 balls before his dismissal.
India’s Chase and Match Outcome
Rohit, alongside Shubman Gill, who scored 77, started India’s chase. Rohit initially played cautiously against Jofra Archer but soon accelerated, taking on bowlers like Josh Tongue and Sam Curran. He reached his fifty in 50 balls and continued to build his innings, manipulating the field and finding boundaries against various bowlers, including Adil Rashid.
He was supported by Virat Kohli, who contributed 74 runs. The partnership helped India maintain the required run rate. Rohit reached his 36th ODI hundred in 84 balls in the 31st over. However, after Rohit’s dismissal, Sam Curran led a collapse, and India went from 304/2 to 329/7. England ultimately won the match by 27 runs and secured the series 2-1.
The match concluded with England scoring 387/3 in 50 overs and India scoring 360/7 in 50 overs on Sunday.
The innings, though not leading to an Indian victory, was a significant personal achievement for Rohit Sharma, leaving a lasting mark on his career and the history of ODI cricket at Lord’s.
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Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
