Joe Root etched his name into England’s record books by becoming the country’s first batsman to register six consecutive fifty-plus scores in One-Day Internationals during the series-deciding third ODI against India at Lord’s on Sunday. The former England captain continued his remarkable consistency with an unbeaten 74 off just 49 balls, extending an extraordinary run of scores that now read 61, 75, 111 not out, 76 not out, 99 not out and 74. Root’s latest knock came as England piled up a daunting 387 for 3 after being asked to bat first in the final match of the three-match series. The innings also marked Root’s third consecutive half-century of the series, having been unbeaten with scores of 76 and 99 in the opening two matches. His latest effort ensured he became the first English batsman to record six consecutive ODI innings of 50 or more. England’s impressive total was built on a dominant opening partnership of 192 runs between Ben Duckett and Jacob Bethell. Duckett led the charge with a magnificent 141, while Bethell contributed a fluent 91 as the pair dismantled an inexperienced Indian pace attack. India has sorely missed it Jasprit Bumrahwho was ruled out of the decider due to reactive swelling in his left knee following an impact injury sustained during the second ODI. Without their top fast bowler, the visitors struggled to contain England’s batsmen, with the four-man pace attack conceding runs at regular intervals. After Duckett and Bethell laid the foundations, Root ensured England kept the momentum going. Speeding through the locks, he hit another compound half a century earlier joss butler he added a blistering unbeaten 41 from just 13 deliveries to push England close to the 400-run mark. Root’s last leg further underlined his outstanding form in the format as England strengthened their position in the decider with another commanding batting display.