Virat Kohli equals Viv Richards

Virat Kohli He continued his fine record against England by scoring another half-century during the second ODI at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff on Thursday. Indian batting star reached the milestone in spectacular fashion, helping India stay in control after early defeat Rohit Sharma.Kohli completed his half-century with a trademark straight drive off Sam Curran in the 27th over. The spectacular boundary not only took him to the historic feat but also garnered a thunderous applause from the Cardiff crowd, with the former India captain raising his bat to welcome the applause. This innings made Kohli’s 14th score of 50 or more in ODIs against England, which includes three centuries. With this, he equaled West Indies legend Viv Richards for the joint second highest score of 50 plus against England in ODI cricket. Only Sri Lankan great Kumar Sangakkara, with 15 such scores, is ahead of the Indian batsman.The milestone came on the first ball of the 27th over when Kohli ground down Curran for four straight runs. Kohli’s good innings of 65 runs in 66 balls ended in the 32nd over when he was caught by Adil Rashid off the bowling of Jofra Archer, taking India’s score to 178/4.Earlier, England captain Harry Brook won the toss and decided to bowl first. India were forced to make one change as KL Rahul missed the match due to illness, paving the way for Ishan Kishan to be included in the playing eleven. England also made two changes, including fast bowlers Saqib Mahmood and Gus Atkinson in place of Josh Tongue and Liam Dawson.India lead the three-match ODI series 1-0 after winning the opening match by six wickets.