Rohit Sharma rewrote the record books with a landmark century at Lord’s on Sunday, becoming the first Indian batter to score an ODI hundred at the iconic venue while leading India’s chase in the series-deciding third match against England. The milestone knock came at a time when the veteran opener had been under intense scrutiny, with speculation surrounding his ODI future and suggestions that the Lord’s fixture could be his final appearance in the format. Rohit responded in the best possible fashion, producing a memorable innings on one of cricket’s grandest stages. In doing so, the 39-year-old became the oldest Indian to score an ODI century and also the oldest Indian batter to register a century across all international formats. At 39 years and 80 days, Rohit surpassed Sachin Tendulkar, who had previously held the record after scoring an ODI hundred at the age of 38 years and 327 days. The century also strengthened Rohit’s remarkable record in England. It was his eighth ODI hundred in the country, taking him level with former England opener Marcus Trescothick. Only Joe Root, with 10 ODI centuries in England, has scored more hundreds in the country, while Rohit moved ahead of several international greats who have seven centuries each in a single visiting nation. The innings carried added significance as India chased a daunting target after England piled up 387 for 3 in the first innings. Earlier, Ben Duckett smashed a magnificent 141 and shared a 192-run opening partnership with Jacob Bethell, who contributed 91, as England dominated an inexperienced Indian pace attack missing the injured Jasprit Bumrah. Joe Root continued his outstanding form with an unbeaten 74, while Jos Buttler‘s explosive 41 not out off just 13 balls lifted England to the highest ODI total ever recorded at Lord’s. Faced with a mammoth chase and mounting external pressure, Rohit answered his critics in emphatic fashion, producing a historic century that not only kept India’s hopes alive but also secured his place in Lord’s folklore as the first Indian batter to score an ODI hundred at the Home of Cricket.
