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Root’s Masterclass Secures England’s Series Victory
England captain Harry Brook’s assertion that Joe Root “is only getting better with age” is a testament to the batsman’s enduring prowess and a warning to bowlers worldwide.
Root eclipsed World Cup-winning captain Eoin Morgan’s record, becoming England’s highest ODI run-scorer with a magnificent 166 not out against the West Indies in Cardiff. This achievement adds to his already impressive Test record.
Entering the crease in the first over, Root expertly navigated immense pressure, rescuing England from a precarious 133-5 while chasing 309.
He effortlessly compiled a 98-ball century, punctuated by a stylish six and four, before accelerating his scoring rate in a commanding 143-run partnership with Will Jacks that left the West Indies bowlers helpless.
Brook lauded Root’s performance, stating, “He’s unbelievable and only getting better with age. He’s a role model, always striving for improvement; the perfect example for young cricketers.”
At 42, Root surpassed Morgan’s 6,957 runs, humbly describing the milestone as “a sign of getting old,” while emphasizing his continued commitment to the format, although acknowledging Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 18,426 remains a distant goal.
Root affirmed his dedication, stating, “The desire to improve daily and contribute to the team, to remain unbeaten at the end of a chase like that – when that wanes, it will be time to stop. But that’s not the case now; I’ll continue helping us win.”
The second ODI initially favored the West Indies: England dropped three catches within the first 20 overs and missed two run-out opportunities, while Smith, Duckett, and Buttler all registered ducks.
However, Root’s exceptional skill shone through, his 18th ODI century arguably one of his finest.
Former England fast bowler Steven Finn commented on BBC Test Match Special, “We’re running out of superlatives; he consistently surpasses expectations. He’s now a class above, and today’s innings solidified that. His determination, pressure management, and ability to remain composed while wickets fell around him – the West Indies had no answer.”
WinViz data illustrates Root’s calm control, steadily guiding England to victory.
Root’s Brilliant 166* Propels England to Series Triumph
Root Masterclass Secures Thrilling England Win
Analysis by CricViz analyst Soham Sarkhel
Consistent Strike Rotation
Since his ODI debut, only two batters boast a higher non-boundary strike rate than Root (minimum 2,000 non-boundary runs). His non-boundary strike rate is 59.89, second only to England’s Jos Buttler (63.77) and AB de Villiers (65.70).
Exceptional Control
Since 2018, Root’s false-shot percentage in ODIs is a mere 11.1%. Among Full Member nations, only Kane Williamson (11%) has a lower rate.
Dominance Against Spin
Root averages 70.3 against spin bowling in his ODI career, significantly higher than Buttler’s 52. Only five batters historically average more against spin (minimum 1,500 runs): Hussey, Dhoni, Bevan, Hope, and Azam. Only Dhoni surpassed Root’s runs against spin; none exceeded Root’s strike rate of 90.
Capitalizing on Good Balls
Root averages 47.7 against deliveries outside off stump, striking at 77. The average right-handed batter averages only 33 on this line. On wider balls, Root excels, averaging 94.5 and striking at 109.
Middle Overs Mastery
Between overs 11-40, Root averages 66.6 at a strike rate of 87. Only Kohli (ave 70.7, S/R 93) and De Villiers (ave 68.9, S/R 97) surpass this for a minimum of 2,000 runs.
Constant Evolution
Before 2016, Root averaged 7.4 with seven reverse-sweep dismissals. Since 2016, he averages 158 using this shot, demonstrating significant refinement.
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