Rohit Sharma delivered a significant century at Lord’s on Sunday, responding to ongoing discussions about his future in India colours. Despite his efforts, India ultimately lost the third ODI against England by 27 runs, with England securing the series 2-1.
The match saw England post a substantial total of 387/3 in 50 overs, the highest at the venue. India’s bowling attack, without Jasprit Bumrah due to an impact injury, struggled against England’s batsmen. This set a challenging target for India, intensifying the pressure on Rohit Sharma.
Rohit’s Statement Innings
Rohit Sharma, who walked out to bat with Shubman Gill, played a masterful innings of 138 runs from 110 balls. He spent approximately 175 minutes at the crease, demonstrating his ability to construct an innings and take on various bowling attacks. His performance was seen as a strong response to speculation regarding his place in the team and potential retirement.
The innings was not an immediate assault. Rohit initially played cautiously against bowlers like Jofra Archer, respecting the conditions. He and Shubman Gill (77 runs) formed an important opening partnership, ensuring India did not lose early wickets in their chase of 388. Gill’s early charge helped his former captain settle in.
As the ball softened, Rohit increased his scoring rate. He manipulated the field and length against bowlers such as Josh Tongue, Sam Curran, and Adil Rashid. He reached his fifty in 50 balls and continued to accelerate, hitting boundaries regularly to maintain the run rate.
His 34th ODI century came in just 84 balls against Adil Rashid, with a slog-sweep over deep midwicket. The celebration was understated, with Rohit raising his bat and acknowledging the applause before being embraced by Virat Kohli (74 runs), who was at the other end. The Indian dressing room, including head coach Gautam Gambhir, also acknowledged the milestone.
This century held historical significance, making Rohit the first Indian batter to score an ODI hundred at Lord’s. It surpassed Sourav Ganguly’s 90 against England in 2004 as the highest individual score by an Indian at the venue. Additionally, at 39 years and 80 days, Rohit became the oldest batter to score an ODI century at Lord’s and the oldest Indian cricketer to score an international hundred across all formats.
The innings also enhanced Rohit’s record in England, marking his eighth ODI hundred in the country. This is the most by any visiting batter in a single nation, surpassing records held by players like Sachin Tendulkar, Saeed Anwar, AB de Villiers, and Quinton de Kock. Only Joe Root, with 10 ODI hundreds, and Marcus Trescothick, also with eight, have scored more ODI centuries in England.
Match Outcome and Future Implications
Despite Rohit’s century and strong contributions from Gill and Kohli, India’s chase faltered after Rohit’s dismissal. He fell attempting to hit big against Bethell after his 110-ball 138. India went from 304/2 to 329/7 as Sam Curran took 4/75, ultimately losing by 27 runs. England’s innings featured notable contributions from Ben Duckett (141), Jacob Bethell (91), and Joe Root (74 not out).
The outcome of the match meant England won the series 2-1. While Rohit’s innings was a powerful statement, it does not guarantee his selection for India’s next ODI series in September. The decision regarding his future now rests with the selectors.
Rohit’s performance, however, may have bought him additional time. His walk back to the pavilion at Lord’s, applauded by the crowd, marked a memorable moment, regardless of what lies ahead for him in international cricket.
Brief scores: England 387/3 in 50 overs (Ben Duckett 141, Jacob Bethell 91, Joe Root 74 not out, Jos Buttler 41 not out; Arshdeep Singh 2/72) beat India 360/7 in 50 overs (Rohit Sharma 138, Shubman Gill 77, Virat Kohli 74; Sam Curran 4/75) by 27 runs.
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Source: newindianexpress.com
Arjun Sharma
Sports Reporter