Exactly three years ago, Suresh Raina scored his fourth ODI century against England at Cardiff. Making a comeback into the ODI side, this was, perhaps, the best possible way to start afresh for the attacking Indian southpaw. Preceding the ODI series, India had lost the Test series 3-1.

The first ODI at Bristol was washed out due to rain and proceedings had now shifted to Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. Alastair Cook, the then England ODI captain, won the toss and chose to field. India lost Shikhar Dhawan (11) and Virat Kohli (0) in the eighth over. A 91-run partnership between Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane rescued India.

Raina came in to bat at 110-3 when Rahane (41) got stumped off James Tredwell’s bowling. Soon, Rohit Sharma (52) also perished, leaving India at 132-4 in 29.2 overs. It was from here when Raina and MS Dhoni steered the Indian ship to a handsome total. Raina scored his half-century in 49 balls in the 38th over. The platform for an exciting set of last 10 overs was set from here.

Both Raina and Dhoni dominated the English bowlers. Raina took another 25 balls to reach to his century. He ended up scoring 100 (75) with the help of 12 fours and three sixes. He got out to Woakes in the 47th over. Dhoni’s 51-ball 52 guided India past the 300-run mark. India scored 304-6 in 50 overs. Some showers gave England a revised target of 295 in 47 overs (D/L Method). India won the match by 133 runs.

Watch the full video of Raina’s innings: