England secured a 2-1 One-Day International series victory over India at Lord's, winning the third and deciding match by 27 runs on Sunday. Ben Duckett's 141 off 135 balls and Jacob Bethell's 91 from 93 deliveries propelled England to a record 387 for three, the highest men's ODI total at the venue. Duckett surpassed Viv Richards' unbeaten 138 from the 1979 World Cup as the top scorer at Lord's.
Rohit Sharma's century in vain
India captain Rohit Sharma responded with a blistering 138 off 110 balls, his 32nd ODI century, sharing a 147-run opening stand with Shubman Gill, who made 77. However, left-arm spinner Jacob Bethell dismissed Sharma in the 39th over, trapping him lbw, leaving India at 260 for two. Despite Virat Kohli's 74, his first Lord's half-century, India finished on 360 for seven.
Sam Curran took four for 75, including the key wickets of Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer, while Adil Rashid claimed one for 62. England's total was built on a 192-run opening partnership between Duckett and Bethell, a record for any England wicket against India. Joe Root contributed an unbeaten 74 off 48 balls, and Jos Buttler smashed 41 not out from 13 deliveries, hitting three sixes and four fours in the final overs.
Brook praises McCullum's tactics
England captain Harry Brook credited head coach Brendon McCullum for introducing Bethell at a crucial moment. "It'd be tough to do [all three jobs] but I'm not saying it's impossible," Brook said. "I'm extremely pleased with the way we've performed in this series after going 1-0 down – the fight, camaraderie and belief we have shown to win is credit to the team and the coaches." Brook also highlighted the depth of bowling options, including Curran's variation.
India were without Jasprit Bumrah due to a knee injury sustained in Cardiff. Prasidh Krishna was the most effective early, but his figures suffered late on. Brook won the toss and elected to bat, a decision that proved decisive. The match began with a minute's silence for the late Sir Garfield Sobers, who had written a reference for Bethell's scholarship at Rugby School.
Record-breaking partnership
Bethell's 91 included 11 fours and two sixes, while Duckett reached his half-century off 64 balls before accelerating. The pair's 192-run stand is the highest for any England wicket against India in ODIs. Root's unbeaten 74 was his third consecutive score above 75 in the series, following 76 not out at Edgbaston and 99 not out in Cardiff, totaling 360 runs since his last dismissal.
Buttler's late assault saw 82 runs scored in the final five overs. India's Gooram Brar finished with figures of none for 97, the most expensive in a Lord's ODI. Despite the target, India's chase remained competitive until Sharma's dismissal. Gill was in sublime touch, but his lbw to Rashid in the 25th over slowed progress. Curran's quick wickets of Kishan and Iyer in the 40th and 41st overs effectively sealed the match.
Series outcome
The victory gave England a 2-1 series win after losing the first ODI. Brook's leadership has been praised, with the team showing resilience. The series also highlighted England's batting depth and bowling versatility, with contributions from multiple players. India's fightback, led by Sharma, was not enough to overcome England's record total.
