Rohit Sharma creates multiple records with historic Lord's century

LONDON: Rohit Sharma produced a record-breaking century at Lord's on Sunday as India captain guided his side's chase in the series-deciding third ODI against England while surpassing Virat Kohli for the most 50-plus ODI scores by a visiting batter in England.

The veteran opener registered his 15th ODI score of 50 or more on English soil, moving ahead of Kohli, who has 14. Rohit reached the milestone in just 30 innings compared to Kohli's 35.

Among visiting batters in England, Rohit now tops the list with 15 fifty-plus scores, followed by Kohli (14), while Rahul Dravid and New Zealand's Kane Williamson share third place with 13 each. Australia's Michael Clarke and Aaron Finch, along with New Zealand's Ross Taylor, have 10 such scores.

The 39-year-old answered his critics in emphatic fashion after modest returns earlier in the series, smashing a commanding 138 from 110 balls, featuring 17 fours and five sixes at a strike rate of 125.45.

His innings also created more history as he became the first Indian batter to score an ODI century at the iconic Lord's.

In addition, Rohit became the oldest Indian to score an ODI century and the oldest Indian batter to register a century across all international formats.

At 39 years and 80 days, he eclipsed Sachin Tendulkar's previous record, set when the legendary batter scored an ODI hundred aged 38 years and 327 days.

The century further enhanced Rohit's outstanding record in England. It was his eighth ODI hundred in the country, drawing level with former England opener Marcus Trescothick.

Only Joe Root, with 10 ODI centuries in England, has more, while Rohit moved clear of several international greats who have seven centuries in a single visiting nation.

Rohit laid the platform for India's pursuit of a daunting 388-run target with a 147-run opening partnership alongside captain Shubman Gill, who made 77. He then added 113 runs for the second wicket with Virat Kohli to keep India firmly in control of the chase.

His memorable innings ended in the 39th over when left-arm spinner Jacob Bethell bowled him after beating his attempted sweep. As Rohit walked back to the pavilion, the Lord's crowd rose to applaud his knock, while Kohli congratulated him with a pat on the helmet.

By the time of his dismissal, India had reached 260-2 with Kohli unbeaten at the crease, leaving the visitors well placed to complete the highest successful ODI chase at the Home of Cricket.

Earlier, England posted a formidable 387-3 after Ben Duckett struck 141 and shared a 192-run opening stand with Jacob Bethell, who made 91.

Joe Root remained unbeaten on 74, while Jos Buttler blasted 41 not out from just 13 deliveries to propel England to the highest ODI total ever recorded at Lord's.