England’s seasoned batting maestro Joe Root gave followers a lot to cheer about within the third ODI towards South Africa at Southampton’s Rose Bowl on September 7, 2025. Not solely did he gentle up the bottom with an excellent century, however he additionally reminded everybody why sport is as a lot about folks as it’s about numbers on a scoreboard.
Joe Root’s touching second as he fingers over his gloves to a younger supporter
After reaching precisely 100 runs earlier than being dismissed, Root’s stroll again to the pavilion was a scene that touched hearts throughout the cricketing world. As he made his manner off the sphere, he seen a younger fan eagerly attempting to get his consideration. Quite than heading straight to the dressing room, Root paused, smiled, and handed over his batting gloves to the overjoyed teenager.
The kid’s response—wide-eyed pleasure turning immediately into pure happiness—was captured on digital camera and shortly unfold throughout social media. Followers praised Root not just for his batting heroics however for displaying a facet of cricket that transcends the sport: respect, generosity, and reference to supporters.
Right here’s the video:
He’s an excellent egg 🥰 pic.twitter.com/WMM5yTkXW4
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) September 7, 2025
Additionally READ: ENG vs SA: Fans erupt as Joe Root lights up The Rose Bowl with a blistering century in the 3rd ODI
England’s dominant show in Southampton towards South Africa
Whereas Root’s gesture made headlines off the pitch, England’s efficiency on it was nothing wanting spectacular. The hosts piled up a large 414 for five of their 50 overs—marking their highest ODI rating towards South Africa and the fifth-biggest whole of their ODI historical past.
Root’s century laid the muse, however the highlight quickly turned to 21-year-old Jacob Bethell, who smashed his maiden worldwide hundred with an excellent 110 from 82 deliveries. His knock, mixed with Root’s expertise, produced a devastating 182-run partnership that left the South African bowlers with no solutions.
Jos Buttler’s explosive unbeaten 62 from 32 balls and Jamie Smith’s speedy 62 off 48 ensured England completed with a flourish.
South Africa, nonetheless, crumbled in reply. Jofra Archer’s fiery spell of 4 for 18 and Adil Rashid’s 3 for 13 dismantled the guests, bowling them out for simply 72 runs in underneath 21 overs. England’s 342-run win was not solely emphatic but additionally etched historical past as the most important victory margin in males’s ODI cricket.
Although South Africa had already sealed the collection 2-1 after victories within the first two matches, England’s commanding comeback despatched a powerful message forward of the T20I collection beginning on September 10 in Cardiff.
Additionally READ: Fans react as England prevent whitewash with record 342-run victory in final ODI; South Africa win series 2-1
