England vs India 2018, 2nd ODI - England Predicted XI

On a ground where 390 was the average first innings score, England could register just 268 runs batting first easily qualifies as self-capitulation. They hung in the web spun by Kuldeep Yadav and his 10 overs gave them a torrid time which dictated the terms in the game. India managed to clinch the first ODI with ease and the hosts have a lot of things to reassess.

England’s inability to tackle wrist spin is bursting in their face big time. They can try to attack this incredible wrist-spin duo of Kuldeep and Chahal, but there’s a good chance that it’d prove counter-productive. They tried to amass as many runs as possible from the fast bowlers, but how will they face these 20 overs of leg-spin is the question of the hour.

A few batsmen in their side got off to good starts but ended up squandering the opportunities. They cannot allow that to happen as anything less than 300 batting first cannot be deemed as a par total against India. The high-profile series is living up to the expectations and another enthralling encounter is on the cards for the viewers.

Openers – Jonny Bairstow and Jason Roy

Jonny Bairstow took the new balls bowlers to the cleaners, so did his partner in crime Jason Roy. But both the players fell in Kuldeep Yadav‘s trap and conceded an advantage to the visitors. Both these players certainly have a proclivity to register big scores but they can only do so given they tackle the spinners well.

Even when India travelled to South Africa, the entire limited-overs fixtures came down to one battle point, the Indian spinners vs the Proteas batsmen. Something similar is happening right now and the spinners are winning the race as it stands. Bairstow and Roy have proved time and again that they’re class acts and this battle has only begun.

Middle order – Joe Root, Eoin Morgan, Jos Buttler

It’s a pity to see Joe Root fighting for a place in the limited-overs side, considering a fact that he’s rated as one of the four best batsmen of this generation alongside Kohli, Smith and Williamson. Root has a lot to prove and his inability to register big scores is giving him nightmares.

Eoin Morgan got off to a decent start and it seemed like he was facing Kuldeep well. But eventually, he misread the magnitude of spin in Chahal’s bowling, which cost him his wicket. Buttler registered a quickfire fifty and is continuing his purple patch. Indians will be wary of the fact that his presence in the middle can be catastrophic for their ambitions.

All-rounders – Ben Stokes, Moeen Ali

Ben Stokes did score a fifty in the 1st ODI, but his strike-rate was reminiscent of red ball cricket. The all-rounder should gain a little confidence at least, to ensure he can score at a better pace the next time he comes on. He didn’t prove to be effective with the ball, which might be a cause of concern for the skipper.

Moeen Ali was another one of those batsmen who let a good start go in vain. The last time India toured England, it was his spin which took them by a surprise, but things certainly have changed. He has to come up with a variety of tricks to ensure the Indians don’t run away with the game.

Bowlers – Adil Rashid, Liam Plunkett, Jake Ball, David Willey

Mark Wood’s performances in recent times might earn him a sacking. Jake Ball is expected to replace him in the playing XI, which should give the young fast bowler a lot of confidence. Liam Plunkett’s experience alongside Jake Ball’s pace in tandem can prove to be a tough challenge.

Adil Rashid has been their main spinner for a good period now and the leggie was a bit expensive in the first game. But take nothing away from him as his mental strength is something to take notice. David Willey’s presence in the side gives them an extra batting option in the lower-middle as well apart from his seam bowling services.