Rohit Sharma returned to form with a crucial half-century as India chased England’s target in the third and final ODI at Lord’s on Sunday. The veteran opener reached his fifty under pressure, providing India with a solid foundation in the series-deciding encounter.
Earlier, England won the toss and elected to bat first in the decisive match. India entered the contest without star pacer Jasprit Bumrah, who was ruled out after sustaining an impact injury to his left knee while fielding during the second ODI in Cardiff.
The Indian team made several changes to its playing XI, recalling KL Rahul and Arshdeep Singh while handing a debut opportunity to pacer Prince Yadav.
The match carried added significance amid recent speculation over Rohit Sharma’s ODI future. Although the BCCI has dismissed reports suggesting the opener is nearing retirement, the experienced batter had faced scrutiny over his recent form. His composed half-century at Lord’s provided a timely response and strengthened India’s chase.
Playing XIs
India: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill (captain), Virat Kohli, Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wicketkeeper), Axar Patel, Gurnoor Brar, Prince Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna.
England: Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook (captain), Jos Buttler (wicketkeeper), Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Josh Tongue.