Joe Root hits unbeaten 99 as England level ODI series with India

• https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2026/jul/16/england-v-india-second-mens-one-day-cricket-international-live#scorecard">India 233 all out; England 235-6 – England win by four wickets

• Will Jacks shares in key 72-run stand for sixth wicket

After the meltdown suffered by England’s footballers in Atlanta, the national mood was never going to be significantly improved by their cricketers.

Nevertheless, a hard-fought four-wicket victory over India in Cardiff was a boost for Harry Brook’s side and set up a series decider at Lord’s on Sunday.

Not that they did it easy.

Set just 234 on a curious surface on which only the technicians prospered – Virat Kohli had earlier purred to 65 from 66 balls – England slipped to 94 for four inside the 20th over.

But thanks to Joe Root’s classy unbeaten 99, a win was secured with 35 balls to spare.