Virat Kohli continued his superb record against England by bringing up another half-century during the second ODI at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff on Thursday. The Indian batting star reached the milestone in style, helping India stay in control after the early loss of Rohit Sharma.Kohli completed his fifty in the 27th over with a trademark straight drive off Sam Curran. The elegant boundary not only took him to the landmark but also earned a loud ovation from the Cardiff crowd, with the former India captain acknowledging the applause by raising his bat. The knock marked Kohli’s 14th score of 50 or more in ODIs against England, including three centuries. With that, he equalled West Indies legend Viv Richards for the joint second-most 50-plus scores against England in ODI cricket. Only Sri Lanka great Kumar Sangakkara, with 15 such scores, is ahead of the Indian batter.The milestone came off the first ball of the 27th over when Kohli drove Curran straight down the ground for four. Kohli’s well-made 65 off 66 balls ended in the 32nd over as he was caught by Adil Rashid off Jofra Archer, leaving India at 178/4.Earlier, England captain Harry Brook won the toss and elected to bowl first. India were forced into one change as KL Rahul missed the match due to illness, paving the way for Ishan Kishan’s inclusion in the playing XI. England also made two changes, bringing in pacers Saqib Mahmood and Gus Atkinson in place of Josh Tongue and Liam Dawson.India lead the three-match ODI series 1-0 after registering a six-wicket victory in the opening match.
