By Ian Botham
It was another solid performance by the England team as they outplayed the hosts to go up 1-0 in the series and I wouldn’t be surprised at all if they go up 2-0 at Kochi today.
Playing in home conditions, India definitely started as the favourites but we need to remember that this English side isn’t the number one side in this format for nothing. Their dominance in the first ODI showed that, like the Test series, they have set their sights on the ODI trophy.
I had mentioned earlier that much of the team’s success would depend on the way they bat. Alastair Cook continued his good form and laid a solid foundation at the start along with Ian Bell. The middle order then came in and carried the good work and in the end Samit Patel and Craig Kieswetter launched an attack.
325 was a good score in a placid batting track considering the Indian batsmen weren’t in good form. Winning the toss did help them. India were always playing catch-up and never at any stage looked like they were sailing.
However, England could improve, especially with the new ball. They bowled both sides of the wicket, resulting in some easy runs but they came back well.
The slower bowlers bowled smartly. With four fielders outside the circle, it becomes tricky as batsmen look to attack more often but Tredwell and Root used the new rule to their advantage and ran through the line-up by bowling good line and length and forcing the batsmen into making mistakes.
Cheteshwar Pujara did impress me in the Test series but I haven’t seen him play limited-overs games.
But to score a triple hundred a day before at the same venue and then not be included in the XI reflects that the Indian management maybe has a bit of doubt over his ability in this format. With the batsmen not in best of form, it will be interesting to see if he is picked for today’s game.
The young Indian bowling attack caused no trouble to the English batsmen.
The spinners were easily played, and the pace bowlers went for runs at the end. It’s not easy on these new players to come in and be consistent especially when you are up against a very good team. I think the team management needs to be a bit patient with them especially with Ishant Sharma who is coming after an ankle surgery.
He doesn’t have a magic wand. He should be given a longer run and I am sure in the coming days, we will see him improve.
1-0 down in the series and under so much pressure, the Indian team can’t afford to lose another and sink further. There will be a lot of pressure on them and I hope they come out better. As for England, they will have a lot of confidence and look to continue the good work.