Synopsis
As the first ODI series kicks off, England braces for another spin challenge while India focuses on the form of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. The match at the VCA Stadium promises excitement as both teams aim to assert dominance.Key Takeaways
- England struggles against spin continue from the T20I series.
- Varun Chakravarthy is expected to debut in ODIs.
- Jos Buttler emphasizes aggressive batting strategy.
- Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli aim to regain form.
- India has a strong historical record against England at VCA Stadium.
Nagpur, Feb 5 (NationPress) Spin has been a significant challenge for the England cricket team during the T20I series against India, and it is likely to remain their Achille's heel as they enter the three-match ODI series, commencing with the first match at the Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA) Stadium here on Thursday. Moreover, they are anticipated to face further spin challenges during the Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan.
Spinners played a pivotal role in India's 4-1 victory in the T20I series, with leg-spinner Varun Chakravarthy tormenting the English side by taking 14 wickets across five matches, including a fifer in the third game in Rajkot, which incidentally was the only match England managed to win.
England faced a crushing defeat against Abhishek Sharma, who scored 135 off 54 balls — the highest score by an Indian in T20Is — in the final match held at Wankhede in Mumbai, after which they were troubled by spin once more, getting bowled out for just 97 runs in under 11 overs.
The coaching staff of England is aware of their struggles against spin, and all-format coach Brendon McCullum has urged his batters to adopt an aggressive approach against spinners in T20 cricket after the series loss to India. He will continue to promote this strategy in the 50-over format, especially with the impending Champions Trophy.
England's captain, Jos Buttler, stated they plan to maintain their aggressive batting style across all formats.
"We aim to play in the same manner. We are looking for ways to exert pressure on the opposition with our batting. They need to take wickets," declared Jos Buttler during the pre-match press conference on Wednesday.
Buttler pointed out that their 1-4 defeat in the T20Is against India was not due to their playing style but rather the ineffective execution of their plans.
"Execution is key. Regardless of the plan, it is vital to execute it effectively. We believe that playing aggressively is the best way to secure victories and maximize the potential of our players in the dressing room. Therefore, we will double down on that approach," Buttler stated.
In light of their discomfort against slow-turning deliveries, India has bolstered their 50-over squad by including Chakravarthy as a last-minute addition. Given the current trajectory, the leg-spinner is likely to make his ODI debut on Thursday.
England is preparing for another spin challenge on a pitch that the curator claims will yield a score exceeding 200, while also supporting spinners in the latter stages of the match.
Indian fans are eager to witness captain Rohit Sharma and experienced batter Virat Kohli performing at their peak, especially with the upcoming Champions Trophy.
Rohit excelled in ODIs during the 2023 World Cup at home and was India's leading scorer in the T20 World Cup last year. Kohli also shone in the T20 World Cup final, scoring 76 off 59 balls, contributing to India's narrow victory by seven runs.
Rohit had a strong series against Sri Lanka following the T20 World Cup, but Kohli has struggled with form since then. Rohit's performance in the Test series against New Zealand and Australia and the lone domestic red-ball match after India's BGT setback has also been below par.
The duo aims to regain their form before the Champions Trophy and the subsequent 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League.
India will proceed into the three-match ODI series without Jasprit Bumrah, who has been rested after performing exceptionally well in the Australia red-ball series. The Indian management will closely monitor Mohammed Shami, a key player in India's journey to the final in the 2024 ODI World Cup. Although Shami claimed three wickets in the Wankhede T20I against England, some experts believe he must prove his return to form after an injury and surgery sidelined him for nearly a year.
Arshdeep will lead India's pace attack in the series, while the spin department will be spearheaded by Ravindra Jadeja, with the question remaining as to who will partner him and Chakravarthy.
Historically, India and England have faced off in 107 ODIs, with India securing 58 victories and England 44. There were two matches tied, and three ended without results. In India, the teams have clashed in 52 matches, with India winning 34 to England's 17 — one match was tied.
India has found success at the VCA Stadium in Jamtha, winning four of the six matches played there. However, they have participated in only three ODIs in 2024, losing two while one resulted in a tie.
While the overall record favors the hosts, the pitch at the stadium has drawn scrutiny, being deemed poor by the ICC on two occasions. With England returning after several years, the encounter promises to be exciting if the pitch delivers as the curator has indicated.
Squads:
India: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), Rishabh Pant (WK), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy.
England: Harry Brook, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Jacob Bethell, Liam Livingstone, Brydon Carse, Jamie Overton, Jos Buttler, Jamie Smith, Philip Salt, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Adil Rashid, Saqib Mahmood, Mark Wood.
