Joe Root’s near‑century teaches young batsmen the art of strike rotation

The second ODI between England and India at Cardiff produced a masterclass in batting from seasoned campaigner Joe Root. Scoring an unbeaten 99, Root displayed the kind of strike‑rotation that England’s emerging batters are urged to emulate.

Harry Brook, England’s skipper, praised the innings as a blueprint for younger players. “Root has been one of the best at rotating the strike for years,” Brook said. “I remember an innings where he hit only three fours but still reached a hundred – that’s the kind of skill set we want our youngsters to develop.”

India set a target of 235 after a solid 180 for three at the 30‑over mark. England’s top order faltered, with early dismissals of Ben Duckett (duck) and Jacob Bethell (4). Brook contributed 16 before being bowled.

Root’s calm partnership with Sam Curran, Jos Buttler and Will Jacks steadied the chase. The veteran’s ability to find the gaps and keep the scoreboard ticking proved decisive, even though he fell just one run shy of a century.