England openers Ben Duckett and Jacob Bethell etched their names in the history books with a stellar performance in the opening innings against India in the third ODI at Lord’s. After winning the toss and electing to bat first, England’s decision paid off handsomely as the pair formed a 192-run partnership, England’s highest opening total against India in ODI history.
England vs India’s highest opening partnership in ODIs
- 192 – Ben Duckett and Jacob Bethel, Main Church (2026)
- 160 – Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow, Edgbaston (2019)
- 158 – Alastair Cook and Ian Bell, Rajkot (2013)
- 135 – Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow, Pune (2021)
The stand also holds the record for the highest ever opening partnership in an ODI cricket match at Lord’s and the fourth-highest partnership for any wicket at the iconic venue.
Lord’s highest partnership for any wicket in ODIs
- 226 – Andrew Strauss and Andrew Flintoff vs West Indies (4th wicket, 2004)
- 213 – Graeme Hick and Neil Fairbrother vs West Indies (3rd wicket, 1991)
- 202 – Graham Gooch and David Gower vs Australia (2nd wicket, 1985)
- 192 – Ben Duckett and Jacob Bethell vs India (1st wicket, 2026)
India finally found a breakthrough in the 32nd over when Prasidh Krishna dismissed Bethell with a brilliant 91 off 93 balls. The left-hander, who looked on the verge of a maiden ODI century, tried to hit the short ball over the leg side but found Rohit Sharma at deep square leg. Bethell’s brilliant knock included 11 fours and two sixes, while Prasidh only celebrated modestly as he realized the damage the opening pair had done to India’s bowling attack.
India vs England line-up
India: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill (centre), Virat Kohli, Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Axar Patel, Gurnoor Brar, Prince Yadav Yadav), Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna.England: Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brooke (centre), Jos Buttler (right), Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Josh Tonge.
