Joe Root's ODI streak lifts England in series vs India

England batsman Joe Root has revived his One‑Day International (ODI) form, scoring half‑centuries in five consecutive innings on more than one occasion – a feat achieved by only four other players worldwide. He posted an unbeaten 76 at Edgbaston and followed with a fifty at Cardiff, joining India’s Virat Kohli and Pakistan’s Babar Azam in this exclusive club. Root’s recent run includes 422 runs in five innings in 2026 at an average of 211, reinforcing his role as England’s leading ODI scorer as the team faces India in a three‑match series.

His resurgence follows a dip in form between 2020 and 2023, during which he failed to record an ODI century. The turnaround began after his recall for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, and his consistent strike rotation and footwork against spin have been highlighted as key to his success.