India vs England Second ODI Preview: Series on the line

True to their form throughout the season, India made a stunning comeback to defeat England’s belligerent chase by 66 runs. It was a day to remember for the Indian debutants as they take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. England will have to win the second ODI on Friday if they want to have any hopes of winning the series.

India ticked a lot of boxes in the first ODI that should give them a lot of confidence. Shikhar Dhawan (98) got back to form, while Virat Kohli (56) looked really fluent. Even KL Rahul (62*) got amongst the runs while debutant Krunal Pandya (58*) picked up a number of records with his ballistic knock helping India post 317/5.

The hosts looked down and out of the contest with England cruising at 135/0 after 14.1 overs. However, debutant Prasidh Krishna (4/54) and Shardul Thakur (3/37) turned the contest on its head.

Shreyas Iyer has been ruled out of the series with a shoulder injury leaving the door open for Suryakumar Yadav’s inclusion. Despite a poor game, Kuldeep Yadav might get another game.

England were exceptional in the field and kept the pressure on India until they were 205/5 before the sixth-wicket partnership ballooned the score. Ben Stokes was brilliant (3/34), while Mark Wood (2/75) was good in his first spell before being taken to the cleaners.

The chase was on with Jonny Bairstow (94) and Jason Roy (46) going all guns blazing. However, the fragile middle-order and the absence of a batting lynchpin hurt England’s chances as they folded out for 251 all out with nearly eight overs to spare.

Eoin Morgan and Sam Billings will be monitored for full fitness, as Liam Livingstone waits in the wings. Matt Parkinson and Reece Topley could fancy their chances of a game in place of the Curran brothers.

India extended their lead over England in head-to-head ODIs to 54-42 with the home record even better at 32-16 in 49 matches.

England will have a lot of thinking to do on their approach, although captain Morgan categorically dismissed any such thoughts. Liam Livingstone could debut at three to give them some solidity, while bowling could see some changes too to be competitive with India. The hosts, on the other hand, will see a forced change with Iyer in all probability replaced by Suryakumar.

India carried the confidence from the T20Is and the performance of their rookies Prasidh, Krunal, and Shardul was a huge positive. Even KL Rahul got back to form helping India tick a lot of boxes. The injury to Iyer was unfortunate but should be a silver lining considering Suryakumar Yadav looked in great touch in the T20Is. England will in all probability make changes of their own as they search for the right combination. Morgan and Billings will be monitored for their match fitness until the last minute, but it would be Bairstow’s batting form that is crucial. He could be eyeing another half century and as will be Kohli. Backing England to score the most in the first ten overs looks a very safe pick.