Cardiff — Harry Brook’s declaration that Joe Root is “only getting better with age” might well resonate like a warning bell for bowlers across the globe, after the England veteran produced one of the finest ODI innings of his career to lead his side to a dramatic victory over the West Indies.
In what was a record-breaking day for Root, the 34-year-old surpassed World Cup-winning skipper Eoin Morgan to become England’s all-time leading run-scorer in one-day internationals.
His unbeaten 166 from 145 deliveries, laced with masterful timing and ruthless efficiency, took England home in a chase that once looked destined for collapse.
Root’s innings not only saw him eclipse Morgan’s tally of 6,957 runs, but also underscored the class and composure that has defined his international career.
Arriving at the crease in just the first over of England’s reply to the West Indies’ 309, he watched as wickets tumbled around him, leaving the hosts teetering at 133-5.
But Root remained ice-cool under pressure. Reaching his century in just 98 balls—with a swaggering six followed by a crisp four—he hardly seemed to break a sweat.
He then shifted gears with trademark fluency, finding an ideal partner in Will Jacks as the pair stitched together a match-winning 143-run stand that left West Indies bowlers helpless and disheartened.
“He’s unbelievable, and he’s only getting better with age,” said England captain Brook, who contributed 47 and shared an 85-run third-wicket stand with Root.
“He’s someone I look up to. He’s such an amazing player, such an amazing bloke. He works the hardest out of anyone I’ve seen. He’s the perfect role model for any young cricketer out there.”
For his part, Root was characteristically modest when asked about overtaking Morgan’s record, saying, “It feels like a sign of getting old.” But he made it clear that retirement is not yet on the radar.
“Until that desire to turn up, get better every day, and help the team win disappears, I’m not going anywhere,” Root said. “That feeling—being not out at the end of a chase like that—that still burns in me.”
Despite England’s early errors—three dropped catches in the first 20 overs and three ducks from Jamie Smith, Ben Duckett, and Jos Buttler—the match will be remembered for Root’s towering presence at the crease. His 18th ODI century, marked by patience and precision, ranks among his most memorable.
Former England fast bowler Steven Finn put it best on BBC Test Match Special: “We are running out of things to say. He’s just on this constant journey of ticking everything off before him. The way he read the situation, soaked up the pressure, and then dismantled the opposition—West Indies had no answer.”
Indeed, Root’s calmness under fire was captured by CricViz’s WinViz graphic, which showed the West Indies firmly in control until the 38th over, when England’s trajectory began to climb with Root at the helm.
As England sealed the win, the cricketing world was reminded once again: class is permanent, and Joe Root—already a legend in whites—continues to write his name into history in coloured clothing as well.
