England makes a statement and level the 3 match ODI series against India. The England team showed the might of their batting and chased the mammoth target of 337 runs with 39 balls to spare. It was the carnage of Johnny Bairstow and Ben Stokes as they hammered Indian bowlers to all parts. Bairstow notched by his 11th ODI century but Stokes fell one short and was dismissed on 99.

Nevertheless, it was an outstanding batting effort from England as they made the chase completely one-sided. Earlier in the match, KL Rahul once again showed his class and scored his 5th ODI century. He along with the destructive Rishabh Pant took India’s total to 337 which in the end wasn’t enough.

England defeats India by 6 wickets 

Meanwhile here’s what the winning captain Jos Buttler and losing captain Virat Kohli said in the post-match presentation.

” I think we set up quite a decent total. It was going to be challenging if we stayed in the game for long periods. We started off well with the new ball, with our lines and lengths but England found a way to hang on and got a century partnership. We did falter a bit at times but mostly, that was some of the best hittings that you’ll ever see. We never had a chance during their partnership (Stokes-Bairstow), that’s how good they were. Don’t think dew was much of a factor. Maybe the wicket settled a bit better but that’s no excuse. We just defended a score two days ago. Tonight was a case of lack of execution at certain stages but they didn’t give us anything. It’s rare to play at such a high strike-rate and not give any chances. We need to manage his (Hardik) body. Need to understand where we need this skill set. Did utilise him in the T20Is but in the ODIs, it’s about managing his workload. I never played for hundreds in my life, probably why I ended up getting so many in such a short while. It’s more important for the team to win. If I get a three-figure score and the team doesn’t win, it means nothing”, said Kohli.

Also Read: Twitter In Awe Of Ben Stokes As He Puts On An Exhibition Of Six Hitting

Delighted with the response of the guys. We put in a very good bowling performance to restrict India to that total. I am delighted that we continued to commit to the fashion we want to play our cricket. The guys in the middle overs did an exceptional job to restrict them at that stage when Rishabh Pant was going, that was a big wicket for us. The way the guys came out and played, fantastically well and then the partnerships from the start made it a brilliant chase. Fantastic opening partnership again, they have been pillar of our strength for a long period of time. They have been outstanding at the top of the order. Delighted for Jonny to go on and reach the three-figures today and it was a top knock. That partnership with Ben Stokes was thrilling to watch”, said Buttler

Furthermore, for his outstanding match-winning 124 in 112 deliveries, Johnny Bairstow was the player of the match

Disappointed to miss out in the last game, delighted to get over the line in this one. Over the years I have had too many chats with Cork. The thought process was the same like the last game, exactly the same game plan. Ben played some entertaining strokes down the ground, Jason (Roy) was going all guns blazing at the top. They bowled well at the start, especially Bhuvi. The relationship we (Bairstow and Roy) got at the top of the order is great, hopefully it continues. The shot I played over deep cover, I enjoyed that the most”, said Bairstow.