England took a surprise early lead in
the ODI Series with India but came back to earth with a bump when
they were defeated by 127 runs in the second match. Their impressive
victory in Rajkot was cancelled out by a dominant display from
India’s bowlers as England capitulated in the run chase in Kochi.
If England can salvage anything from
such a sizeable defeat, it is in the fact that they seemed well in
charge until the final 10 overs of the Indian innings. India were
struggling at 119-4 before they turned the innings around. A superb
stand between Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni (72) and Ravindra Jadeja
(61 not out) gave the hosts a healthy total of 285 to defend. Even
then, England started confidently enough and reached 58-1 in the
tenth over before the rot set in, adding only another 100 runs for
the loss of their remaining wickets.
Tim Bresnan has recovered from bruising
above the knee and is expected to be in contention for the third
match in the series. England captain Alastair Cook was among those
calling for calm in the wake of such a crushing defeat. An unexpected
nine-run win in the first one-day international possibly raised
expectations but the key will be whether they can find consistency.
One thing that England will need to do
is curb the freedom with which Dhoni is allowed to accumulate runs
for India’s middle-order. He smashed seven fours and two sixes in
just 66 balls and England’s seam bowlers had no answer. With three
matches to go, he could prove decisive unless the visitors can find a
way to shackle him. India actually scored 108 runs in the final ten
overs of their innings and that swung the initiative heavily in their
favour.
The vital third match is held in
Dhoni's hometown, Ranchi, and all eyes will be on him when he takes
to the crease. One Englishman who is under particular attention is
fast bowler Steven Finn. In the absence of James Anderson (rested)
and Stuart Broad (injured), Finn is England's main strike bowler. As
such, he has a crucial role to play and is usually called upon to
bowl at the end of the innings when the pressure is really on. Finn
is confident that he can handle the pressure and was not overawed by
playing in front of 60,000 noisy spectators in Kochi. He believes
that the first over is as crucial as the last because it sets the
tone for the innings.
India go into the third game at 4-7
favourites in the Cricket betting odds with England 9-5 and a drawn
series priced at 24-1. There is also a strong market on the series
correct score and India to win 3-2 heads the market at 6-4. England
are 9-4 to win by the same margin. Alastair Cook is 11-5 to be
England’s top batsman, narrowly favoured to Kevin Peterson (12-5)
and Ian Bell (11-4). Dhoni is now 3-1 joint-favourite to prove
India’s top batsman along with Suresh Raina.
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