India’s Rohit Sharma appeared relaxed ahead of the series-deciding third ODI against England, sharing a light-hearted moment with head coach Gautam Gambhir and members of the support staff during the team’s optional training session at Lord’s on Saturday.Rohit was spotted chatting and laughing with Gambhir and the coaching group on the famous Lord’s balcony before heading out for his practice session.The easy-going interaction came at a crucial stage of the tour, with India preparing for a winner-takes-all clash after the three-match series was locked at 1-1.Watch:The visitors began the series with a convincing victory in Birmingham before England bounced back in Cardiff, thanks largely to Joe Root‘s unbeaten 99.The former England captain’s match-winning knock not only levelled the series but also extended his remarkable streak to five successive ODI half-centuries.Root’s battle with Jasprit Bumrah is expected to remain one of the defining contests of the decider. While the England veteran handled India’s premier fast bowler well in Cardiff, Bumrah will be eager to regain control in familiar seam-friendly conditions at Lord’s.India, meanwhile, received a timely boost through Virat Kohli‘s return to form. The former captain struck a fluent 65 in the second ODI and is now just one more 50-plus score away from equalling Kumar Sangakkara’s record for the most fifty-plus scores against England in ODI cricket. Kohli also crossed the 1,400-run mark in ODIs played in England, with only Rohit Sharma ahead of him among visiting batters.
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The spotlight, however, remains on Rohit, who has endured a lean run in the format this year, managing just one half-century in eight ODI innings. India will also hope for KL Rahul’s return after he missed the second ODI, while Washington Sundar’s injury has forced a change in the squad, with Harsh Dubey drafted in as his replacement.A victory at Lord’s would hand India the series and end a 22-year wait for an ODI win at the iconic venue, where their last success came in 2004.
