Article #80401

• Second ODI: England, 235-6, bt India, 233, by 4 wkts

• Will Jacks shares in key 72-run stand for sixth wicket

After the meltdown suffered by England’s footballers in Atlanta, the national mood was never going to be significantly improved by their cricketers. Nevertheless, a hard-fought four-wicket victory over India in Cardiff was a boost for Harry Brook’s side and set up a series decider at Lord’s on Sunday.

Not that they did it easy. Set just 234 on a curious surface on which only the technicians prospered – Virat Kohli had earlier purred to 65 from 66 balls – England slipped to 94 for four inside the 20th over. But thanks to Joe Root’s classy unbeaten 99, a win was secured with 35 balls to spare.