Reece Topley starred with the ball as England dug in to level their one-day international series against India with a 100-run victory in the second match at Lord’s. Topley took 6-24 – the best figures for England in a men’s ODI – as the hosts expertly defended 246. The 28-year-old, whose career was almost ended by injury, removed openers Rohit Sharma for a duck and Shikhar Dhawan for nine.
When Rishabh Pant chipped a Brydon Carse full toss to mid-on on nought and Virat Kohli edged David Willey behind for 16, India were 31-4. Suryakumar Yadav halted England’s charge with 27 and Hardik Pandya threatened with 29 but Topley returned to bowl Suryakumar via the inside edge and Moeen Ali had Hardik caught at the deep to effectively end India’s hopes. Topley added the wickets of Mohammed Shami, Yuzvendra Chahal and last man Prasidh Krishna to eclipse Paul Collingwood’s 6-31, England’s previous best ODI figures. India were bowled out for 146.
Despite slipping to 102-5, England scrapped to 246 all out in 49 overs, largely thanks to Moeen’s 49. Willey, who was crucially dropped on one, also made 41 after leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal had knocked over England’s powerful top order with 4-47. The result ensures England, back at Lord’s three years to the day since their World Cup win, hit back from their crushing defeat in the first ODI. The decider takes place on Sunday at Emirates Old Trafford from 11:00 BST.
Topley breaks record as bowlers impress
Only two bowlers – Collingwood and Chris Woakes, who has done so twice – had taken six wickets in an ODI for England.
Topley, who also took his best T20 figures for England on Sunday, joined them with a fine display with the new ball and later in the innings to cap an impressive England bowling performance.
Moeen dragged England to a score but it still looked below par.
Topley took the new ball with Willey and they began India’s chase with a maiden each. In the second over, the Surrey quick pinned Rohit in front for a duck. Willey was rewarded with the key wicket of Kohli, who pushed at a wide ball and nicked through to Buttler as the former captain’s 32-month wait for an international century in any format goes on. Then, the game not completely done, Topley returned – his mid-innings effort just as impressive.
Suryakumar hit 117 from 55 balls in the third T20 but Topley found a hint of bounce to remove him before he could reinvigorate another chase. He added the wicket of Mohammed Shami with a clever slower ball before seeing off the last two with perfect line and length. Topley has had multiple stress fractures and in 2018 considered quitting cricket. This was a memorable reward for perseverance at cricket’s historic home.
“It was just over that stand where I had surgery three years ago so it has gone full circle which is crazy,” he said.