- June 2, 2025
Something is going on in England’s ODI batting lineup at the moment. Joe Root has just casually raced by 7,000 runs, and as of now is England’s all-time leading run-scorer in ODIs. But Root’s heroics are only part of the story: the No. 3 position for England is now looking like a run-hungry investment and high-risk theatre. Let’s explore how Root and England’s other No. 3s are transitioning England’s game.
England’s Unstoppable ODI Run King
Becoming England’s leading run-scorer in ODIs, surpassing Eoin Morgan’s 6,957 runs, is impressive enough, but being able to chase his unbeaten 166*, which was his personal best and the second highest score for England in an ODI chase, is something that nobody else could perform consistently as he did.
He has six centuries in ODIs where the target was more than 300 runs, with only Virat Kohli, who has nine, more than Root. Also, of his six centuries, he managed to achieve four with England winning the match. Joe carries his team through crucial moments, anchoring innings and accelerating when the chase gets tough, proving vital to the batting lineup.
No. 3 Magic: Not Just Root
The culmination of versatility at No. 3 is whether it is going to be a stabiliser to the innings after losing a few wickets or kicking on from a healthy start. England’s established No. 3s are currently performing this role as great as ever. The other day, Joe Root and Will Jacks had a partnership of 143 runs for the sixth wicket, the second highest for England at No. 3. At that point, England had lost a few wickets and were chasing 176, so the 143 run partnership was instrumental in England’s successful chase setting a new record for the highest successful chase after losing the fifth wicket in ODI history.
This just goes to show how England’s middle order (particularly No.3) has become dependable after failing in the past. The No.3 batter being a stabiliser in a chase while also being able to shift gears is becoming England’s recipe for success.
Root vs Windies and Rising Stars
One of the more interesting aspects about Root’s domination over the West Indies is that he is now the first England batter to accumulate 1,000 ODI runs against them, and is also the only player to have five ODI centuries against them, second only to Virat Kohli’s nine centuries. He has been very successful against the Windies.
Meanwhile, West Indies’ Keacy Carty is making waves with three centuries across his last four ODI innings. He is joining an exclusive group, as only a handful of players in West Indies’ history have accomplished this feat. Carty’s form injects the current England-West Indies rivalry with an interesting challenge, especially considering both teams have in-form No.3s.
The battle between Root and Carty reveals the important role this crucial batting position plays in determining matches, as well as keeping fans enthralled in the action.
Joe Root’s records not only represent individual success, but a new era of success for England’s Number 3 batsmen. The No. 3 has so many uses in England’s ODI context: steadying an innings, accelerating towards the end of an innings, or simply smashing hundreds under pressure.
Now, the question for cricket enthusiasts is, how will the England middle order evolve in the absence of established players like Root, or with young talent coming through? How will batsmen like Carty react? The number 3 position is quickly becoming the most entertaining seat in the house, and we all fancy a seat.
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