Wed, Jul 15, 2026
Wed, Jul 15, 2026
Record-breaking Topley bowls England to series-levelling win over India
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.
David 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. (BBC Sport)