Root's 99 not out sees England to ODI series-levelling win over India

Joe Root's typically composed 99 not out steered a jittery England to a four-wicket win over India in the second one-day international in Cardiff on Thursday to level this three-match series at 1-1.

Root came in to bat with England 0-1 after Ben Duckett was caught behind off Jasprit Bumrah from the first ball of the innings and the home side were still struggling at 8-2 and 125-5 on a two-paced pitch. 

Root, not for the first time in his long career, led an England revival as they chased down a modest target of 234 with 35 balls remaining to turn Sunday's finale against the world's top-ranked ODI side at Lord's into a series decider.

The former England captain faced 133 balls, hitting nine fours, and was only denied what would have been his 21st ODI century when the recalled Gus Atkinson, riding his luck with a few streaky shots, pulled Prasidh Krishna for four.

"In those conditions, on that pitch, to be there at the end and get the job done is probably the best feeling you can get in cricket," Root, the player of the match, told Sky Sports. "(I was left on 99) but that is not what you play for.

"You play to win games and this series is very much alive," added the 35-year-old after England arrived in Wales on a run of 14 defeats in their previous 20 ODIs.

- 'Win scrappy and ugly' -

"Sometimes you need to win scrappy and ugly and we now go to Lord's with everything to play for," said Root, who also praised England's revamped attack for restricting India to 233 all out.

England were 8-2 when Jacob Bethell nicked a rising delivery from Krishna to wicket-keeper Ishan Kishan before captain Harry Brook fell to a skittish scoop.

When Sam Curran (22) was well taken standing up to the stumps by Kishan off Shivam Dube, England were faltering at 94-4.

Root completed a 76-ball fifty-- his second half-century in three days after his 76 not out in India's six-wicket win in Tuesday's opener at Edgbaston.  

Root needed a reliable ally and it seemed he had one in Will Jacks.

But having made 30, Jacks inexplicably backed away to leg and slapped paceman Gurnoor Brar straight to extra cover.

Root threw his head back in anguish as India gained renewed hope with England 197-6.

Earlier, Jofra Archer led an improved England bowling display, the express quick taking 3-47 after Brook won the toss.

India, well set at 104-1, were eyeing a total in excess of 300 when Virat Kohli (65) and Shreyas Iyer (66) were at the crease.

But England used the short ball to good effect to seize back the initiative at a sun-drenched Sophia Gardens.

India, who had been 178-3, lost their last seven wickets for 55 runs as they were all out with six overs remaining.

"It was quite disappointing," said India captain Shubman Gill, dismissed for 31 on Thursday following his 80 at Edgbaston. 

"We thought 300, 310 would be a good total after 25 overs but we lost too many wickets in the middle overs."

Kohli has already retired from Test and T20 international cricket and this series could be the last time the legendary 37-year-old represents India in Britain.

He showed his class by straight-driving Curran for four to bring up a run-a-ball fifty as chants of "Kohli, Kohli, Kohli" echoed round the ground.

Iyer was dropped on 25 and soon afterwards, he drove leg-spinner Adil Rashid for a soaring straight six.

England dismissed Kohli when a top edge off Archer flew to Rashid at third man before Archer struck with successive deliveries to reduce India to 193-7.

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