England openers Ben Duckett and Jacob Bethell put together a record-breaking opening partnership against India in the third and series-deciding ODI at Lord’s.
The pair added 192 runs for the first wicket, setting the highest opening partnership by England against India in ODI cricket, according to media reports.
After England won the toss and chose to bat, England’s decision paid off as the two openers dominated the Indian bowling attack from the outset.
Bethell played an aggressive knock of 91 but fell short of a century after being dismissed by Prasidh Krishna. Duckett, however, carried on his superb form, scoring his fourth ODI century and laying a solid foundation for England’s innings.
The 192-run stand at Lord’s is not only England’s highest opening partnership against India in ODIs but also one of the highest partnerships for any wicket at the historic venue.
Duckett went on to score a brilliant 141 off 121 balls, smashing 18 fours and one six. England continued to pile on the runs, reaching 304 in 44 overs.
The three-match ODI series between England and India is being decided in the final match at Lord’s, with both teams aiming to clinch the series. England had levelled the series 1-1 after defeating India by four wickets in the second ODI in Cardiff, thanks to Joe Root’s match-winning innings. India had won the opening ODI at Edgbaston by six wickets.
Meanwhile, following the conclusion of the ODI series, England will host Pakistan in a three-match Test series beginning on August 19. Separately, Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman recently said that opening the batting against the new ball is never easy and that his focus is on preparing for the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.
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