IND vs ENG, 2nd ODI, Cuttack: England showcased a significantly improved batting performance in the second ODI against India in Cuttack. Fifties from Joe Root (69) and Ben Duckett (65), followed by a late flourish from Liam Livingstone (41), propelled the visitors to a competitive 304-run total on a sluggish, slightly two-paced pitch. Ravindra Jadeja (3/35) once again proved to be India’s standout bowler, playing a crucial role in restricting England’s momentum after a blistering start in the powerplay.
Explosive Start by England’s Openers
From the outset, Ben Duckett looked in sublime touch, and Phil Salt, despite a slow start, began to find his rhythm. Recognizing that the surface would become increasingly difficult for stroke-making, England adopted an aggressive approach in the first PowerPlay, accumulating 75 runs. Duckett was the aggressor, finding boundaries at will, while Salt gradually accelerated towards the end of the phase. However, as seen throughout England’s tour, their real test was always going to be against spin.
Spin Halts England’s Early Charge
Varun Chakaravarthy, who had troubled England in the T20I series, was handed his ODI debut, and he struck in just his second over, breaking the 81-run opening stand. His well-disguised leg-break tempted Salt into a mistimed shot, leading to his dismissal at mid-on. Chakaravarthy, India’s oldest debutant since their first-ever ODI match, maintained a tight line, while Jadeja joined in, increasing the pressure on England’s batters.
The breakthrough moment came when Jadeja dismissed Duckett, who was looking in ominous form. With two left-arm spinners and a wrist spinner in India’s arsenal, Duckett’s wicket was a vital blow. His dismissal soon after Salt’s put England on the back foot, forcing them into a rebuilding phase.
Root Anchors the Innings Amidst Middle-Order Struggles
Joe Root, despite an early scare, quickly settled in, relying on strike rotation rather than aggressive boundary-hitting. Meanwhile, Harry Brook struggled to find fluency, though he managed a few exquisite strokes against the seamers. Their 66-run partnership for the third wicket ended when Brook miscued a lofted shot off Harshit Rana in the 30th over.
This phase saw India momentarily taking spin off the attack, prompting England to target the faster bowlers. However, Brook’s 52-ball 31 was far from his usual fluent self, with India’s spinners building immense pressure. Root then combined with Jos Buttler for a 51-run stand, once again consolidating the innings. However, as England prepared to accelerate, Hardik Pandya’s slower delivery deceived Buttler, leading to a mistimed shot straight to mid-off.
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Livingstone & Rashid Provide Late Fireworks
With Jacob Bethell unavailable due to injury, Liam Livingstone was promoted to No.6. He took his time to settle while punishing loose deliveries. Despite his efforts, England failed to find the late acceleration they needed, and Root perished while attempting to up the ante in Jadeja’s penultimate over. The left-arm spinner maintained impeccable accuracy, stifling the batters effectively. He then claimed Jamie Overton on his final delivery, tightening India’s grip further.
At 258/6 in the 45th over, England were in danger of falling short of a par score. However, Livingstone’s late blitz, coupled with Adil Rashid’s quickfire cameos, propelled England past the 300-run mark. Rashid notably took Mohammed Shami for three consecutive boundaries, ensuring a respectable total of 304 in 49.5 overs.
England’s Score – Competitive or Below Par?
Given the nature of the pitch, England won’t be overly disappointed with their total. However, they could have added another 15-20 runs with a more calculated approach. Whether this score proves sufficient will largely depend on how much dew plays a role in the second innings.
Brief Scores:
England: 304 in 49.5 overs (Joe Root 69, Ben Duckett 65; Ravindra Jadeja 3-35) vs India
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