Yuvraj: 'Probably one of my best knocks'
Yuvraj Singh had not scored a 50-over hundred since the 2011 World Cup. But he looked assured alongside his long-time team-mate Mahendra Singh Dhoni and scored 150 -- his highest in this format.
Published : Jan 19, 2017 18:14 IST
Yuvraj Singh rolled back the years to produce a one-day international-best score of 150 to help India post 381 from an unpromising situation against England.
The 35-year-old was elevated back into the international fold after an absence of over three years for the England series and he repaid the faith shown in him in stunning fashion in Cuttack.
Yuvraj had not scored a 50-over hundred since the 2011 World Cup, but he looked instantly assured alongside his long-time team-mate Mahendra Singh Dhoni, pulling lustily to put England on the back foot.
A crisp boundary brought Yuvraj to 99 and he was in tears after a nudge through the leg side gave him a 14th ODI hundred, and fourth against England.
Having displayed the full breadth of his experience, talent and technique, Yuvraj now looks a certainty for India's Champions Trophy squad after an innings of the highest class.
"Probably one of my best, it's my highest score in one-day cricket, I'm very happy that I've played a good innings," said Yuvraj.
"[Dhoni and I] just tried and get a partnership. They bowled really well up front and we just wanted to get into a rhythm – we had a lot of time, I just wanted to play down the ground and take no risks."
"I had a word with Sanjay Bangar, I told him the way I am hitting the ball I will go big. With the five fielder rule, mid-on, mid-off is up, the wicket was not [helpful] for the seamers after the first 10 overs," said Yuvraj.
"Dhoni has been a sensational captain for India. When Mahi is not captaining, he will bat freely. Hopefully, if we take early wickets we can win the game."