England vs India: 2nd ODI, Preview- India with a chance to dethrone England from the apex ODI ranking

England entered the ODI series against India as the number one ranked team in the 50-overs format. After their T20I debacle, they were in for a stern test to turn over the might of the Men in Blue. The pitch at Trent Bridge in Nottingham has been a batsman’s paradise, however, Kuldeep Yadav ripped the opponent’s batting lineup apart and the home team’s travails against the chinaman bowler continued.

India’s top order, during the run chase, showed that there wasn’t any demon in the track. The likes of Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, and Virat Kohli made a mockery of the run-chase with a graceful display of strokeplay. The Three Lions clean swept Australia 5-0 and the defeat in the last match is most certainly a wakeup call for them to identify the chinks in their armour.

The home team also has their top ODI ranking at stake as another defeat will see them drop to the second spot. Moreover, India will overtake them to the top position provided Kohli and Co emerge victorious. The iconic Lord’s is expected to be a witness to another thrilling contest between bat and ball.

Toss: England won the toss and elected to bat first

India (Playing XI): Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli(c), Lokesh Rahul, Suresh Raina, MS Dhoni(w), Hardik Pandya, Umesh Yadav, Siddarth Kaul, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal

England (Playing XI): Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root, Eoin Morgan(c), Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler(w), Moeen Ali, David Willey, Adil Rashid, Liam Plunkett, Mark Wood

Team Combination

England

Despite the loss, England won’t want to tinker much with their lineup. Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow are the openers. Joe Root and Morgan also need to park aside the disappointment of the last match and take the field with a new zeal. Jos Buttler should be sent higher up the order after his impressive batting, especially when Kuldeep was weaving his magic.

Moeen Ali and Ben Stokes are the genuine all-rounders in the lineup. In the bowling department, Mark Wood, who was their most expensive bowler the other day, could make way for Nottinghamshire-born fast-bowler Jake Ball. Liam Plunkett and David Willey are the two frontline pacers. Adil Rashid’s leg-breaks will also be crucial for the home team in their attempt to tame India.

India

Virat’s men had a stupendous outing in the last encounter and they are unlikely to resort to many changes. Bhuvneshwar Kumar may replace Siddarth Kaul, who was a tad erratic in his debut ODI. The rest of the bowling lineup remains to be the same. Kuldeep is again expected to be India’s trump card with the leather. Umesh Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal are the remaining bowlers.

In the batting department, Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma are the openers. The Indian captain is most likely to stay at number three with Rahul coming in at four. The middle-order, consisting of KL Rahul, MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina and Hardik Pandya didn’t have much to do in the last match and they will have to stand up if the visitors lose a few early wickets.

Players to watch out for

Ben Stokes- England

Stokes made his comeback to 50-overs cricket after an injury layoff and was expected to play a big part. He accomplished a half-century, but played a strike-rate of 50 and never looked settled. The 27-year-old is renowned for his swashbuckling style of play and it was evident that he shelved his natural instincts. It will now be interesting to see the approach he employs at the Mecca of Cricket.

Virat Kohli- India

Not many times do we see Kohli missing out on a century after getting past fifty. The pitch in Nottingham didn’t spew venom and the 36th century in the format was well and truly on the cards. Unfortunately, he perished to Adil Rashid and would be gutted for not being able to convert. The 29-year old will love to score a century at Lord’s and get his name on the Honours Board.

Stat Attack

4– Number of ODIs India have won at the Lord’s out of seven.

33– Runs MS Dhoni needs to achieve the 10,000-mark in ODIs.

Head to Head

Played – 97, England – 32, India – 60, Tie/NR – 5

Broadcast details– Sony Six, Sony Six HD

Live streaming– Sony LIV

Match Timings: 15:30 IST, 10:00 GMT

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