In the cutthroat world of modern white-ball cricket, where self-interest often overshadows the spirit of the game, the art of the anchor remains as coveted as ever. Joe Root, on a two-paced Sophia Gardens on Thursday, played exactly that kind of innings, steering England to a much-needed four-wicket victory over India to draw this three-match series at 1-1.

However, the legendary opening batter’s unbeaten 99 not out also has special significance. It marked the 35-year-old’s sixth career ODI run-chase win, placing him second in the all-time list of batters with the best batting average in successful run-chases, with a phenomenal 91.59.

Root has overtaken Kohli (89.07) but remains just short of the great MS Dhoni (102.71) at the top of the rankings.

Joe Root Standing Tall in the Eye of the Storm

England’s chase of 234 got off to the worst possible start, as opener Ben Duckett was dismissed for a golden duck by Jasprit Bumrah. However, the stadium gasped in horror as the next batter, Root, walked confidently to the crease.

Instead of blowing away England’s hopes, Root went into a well-disguised stay at the crease.

He block-hauled for 133 resilient balls before edging out of the way with nine fours in a very composed innings. A lower-order recovery saw him dismantle the Indian bowling attack, guiding his side home with 35 balls to spare.

Highest Average in Successful ODI Run-Chases (Min. 2000 Runs)

MS Dhoni (India) – 102.71

Joe Root (England) – 91.59

Virat Kohli (India) – 89.07

AB de Villiers (South Africa) – 82.77

Michael Clarke (Australia) – 73.86

The only blot on the copybook was that Root was left stranded on 99 after Gus Atkinson hit the ball that won the game.

However, displaying the same sportsman-like qualities that have endeared him to fans around the world, the England talisman displayed a broad smile as he unfurled a languorous six to complete the match-winning stand. He even managed to keep a straight face when the TV presenter informed him that he had scored the second-highest individual score in a successful run chase at Cardiff.

Joe Root’s performance in Cardiff followed a sensational run of form. The player of the match in Wales was on a remarkable scoring streak that saw him record a century and two consecutive fifties in the 50-over format.

This innings saw Root record his fourth successive 50-plus score in the format and his 67th overall.

Even more remarkably, the 30-year-old has now scored 286 runs in his previous three ODI innings, which have all been not out. In a series where England have needed someone to step up and deliver when the pressure was at its peak, Joe Root has consistently risen to the occasion. He followed his brilliant 111 in the second match against Sri Lanka with an equally composed 76 in the Edenbridge encounter.

However, on the line, it was Root’s turn to come through with a career-best 135.

The England captain has been his usual reliable self in the 50-over format. With the series decider at Lord’s on Sunday, July 19, it would be surprising if Root, a master of the one-day game, failed to deliver once again when England needed him most.