Joe Root says he's happy to sacrifice century for England win over India

Joe Root put team before self as he remained unbeaten on 99 to steer England to a tense victory against India. The former England captain said he had no regrets about falling one run short of a century, given the result.

Root's knock came in a run chase that went down to the wire. He anchored the innings while wickets tumbled around him, but held his nerve to see England home.

'No second thoughts'

Speaking after the match, Root was clear about his priorities. 'I'd take 99 not out and a win over a hundred and a loss any day,' he said. 'There were no second thoughts out there. The team needed me to finish the job, and that's what mattered.'

The innings was a masterclass in pacing a chase. Root rotated the strike effectively and accelerated when required, showing why he remains one of England's most dependable batters in the format.

India's middle-order woes

On the other side, India's batting frailties were exposed once again. Shubman Gill, who top-scored for India, did not hold back in his assessment. 'Our middle order needs to step up. The tailenders are not the best batsmen, so the onus is on the top and middle order to finish games,' he said.

Gill's comments come after another collapse that saw India lose quick wickets in the middle overs. The team has struggled to build partnerships, and the lack of depth in batting has become a talking point ahead of the next match.

Root's certainty vs India's fragility

The contrast between Root's composure and India's collapse was stark. While Root exuded calm under pressure, India's batters looked tentative against England's bowling attack. The visitors will need to address this quickly if they hope to level the series.

England's victory was built on a collective effort, but Root's innings was the cornerstone. He walked in with the scoreboard under pressure and never looked flustered. His ability to find gaps and keep the scoreboard ticking frustrated the Indian bowlers.

Learning on the job

Root also spoke about England's approach to ODIs. He said the team is still 'learning on the job' and that every game provides valuable lessons. 'We are a young side in this format, and we are figuring out our best combinations. Wins like this give us confidence,' he said.

England's chase was not without its nervy moments. They lost wickets at regular intervals, but Root's presence at the crease ensured they never fell too far behind the required rate. The lower order chipped in with crucial runs to get the team over the line.

The victory gives England a 1-0 lead in the series. India will have to regroup quickly and find answers to their batting issues. The next match is expected to be another closely fought contest, with both teams aware of the stakes.