Root and Buttler help clinch series win

Cricket365
March 6, 2014

A superb fifth-wicket partnership between Joe Root and Jos Buttler helped England to a 25-run victory and 2-1 series win over West Indies in the third ODI in Antigua.

England got off to a fast start in their innings, with Michael Lumb and Moeen Ali piling on the runs before the former was dismissed for 20 in the seventh over off the bowling of Dwayne Bravo with the score at 37/1.

Ben Stokes came and went for a golden ball duck and while the wickets slowed down the charge somewhat, Root joined Ali at the crease as the duo put on 78 runs for the third wicket.

Ali's departure for a well-played 55 saw the introduction of Eion Morgan, and his dismissal immediately followed Ali's, as England suffered another double-blow.

But this only paved the way for Root and Buttler to take the game by the scruff of the neck, combining for an impressive 175-run partnership that very nearly saw the visitors home.

Having reached his maiden ODI century, Root was eventually dismissed in the 49th over for 107 as Bravo picked up his third.

Buttler found himself on the cusp of a well-deserved century as well, but sadly for the wicketkeeper-batsman, he would be dismissed in the final over for 99, caught and bowled by Ravi Rampaul.

The damage had been done, however, as England set a formidable total of 303/6.

Bouyed by his century, Root struck immediately for England as the home side started their chase, dismissing opener Kieran Powell for just 1 run.

Stuart Broad got in on the act as well, dismissing Dwayne Smith cheaply, and Dwayne Bravo and Lendl Simmons didn't last long either, as the Windies quickly found themselves 43/4 inside eight overs.

Denesh Ramdin and Marlon Samuels were left with no choice but to take their time and try and rebuild, but the latter lasted only until the 20th over.

Still needing more than 220 runs with just five wickets standing and 30 overs left, the writing was on the wall, but Ramdin would launch a late assault that very nearly made a game out of it.

The right-hander bided his time before going on a charge, smashing fours and sixes as he rocketed to a run-a-ball century that seemed highly unlikely earlier in the innings.

Wickets kept tumbling at the other side, however, and by the 47th over, Ramdin had only one partner left in No 11 Rampaul, with 40 runs still needed off the last three overs.

Ramdin fought bravely, smashing two more fours and a six in over No 48 to take his score to 128 off 109 balls, but Tim Bresnan would finally claim his wicket with a well-placed yorker to bring his onslaught – and the West Indies innings – to an end and hand England a 25-run victory.