Riding on Joe Root’s 13th ODI century, England thrashed India by eight wickets in the third ODI at Headingley, Leeds on Tuesday (July 17). By virtue of this victory, Eoin Morgan clinched the series 2-1 and also strengthened their position as a numero uno One-Day team.

Chasing 257 to win, England got off to a flying start with Jonny Bairstow and James Vince taking the score to 38/0 in just four overs. Bairstow hit seven boundaries in his 13-ball 30 before gently clipping the ball to Suresh Raina at midwicket while James Vince produced some graceful strokes and then was run out owing to MS Dhoni’s brilliance on 27.

Subsequently, Root (100 not out) and skipper Eoin Morgan (88 not out) took the centre stage and played risk-free cricket to guide England home with 33 balls to spare. The duo forged a 186-run partnership for the third wicket.

Root hit the winning boundary off Hardik Pandya’s bowling and also completed his second consecutive ODI ton in this series. After securing England’s victory and his personal milestone, Joe Root celebrated the success with a unique celebration as he dropped the bat on the ground.

With this measured knock, Root also became the highest ODI century maker for England, surpassing Marcus Trescothick’s 12 ton. He finished the three-match ODI series with 216 runs and was deservedly adjudged Player of the Series.

Root will now lead the England team in the forthcoming five-match Test series against India, scheduled to commence on August 1 at Edgbaston, Birmingham.