India’s hopes of getting fired up to victory and securing another trophy before the marquee five-test series are still intact. England’s spiking of cannons at Lord’s was essentially their top contributor. It ensured that they left comfortable in their position as winners. India’s three white-ball victories had the same common factor behind them: KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma at Old Trafford and Bristol, and Rohit at Trent Bridge.
On the other hand, India’s middle order has been noticeably less productive, meaning today’s match could really hinge on England’s ability to make inroads yet again.
Today’s match could also see scrutiny of MS Dhoni going up. After rumbling into a ditch during the second ODI he left fans on both sides flabberghasted. He has spoken about going up the order in T20. India would do well to further explore that when making their World Cup Plans.
England’s Lord’s performance reassured them on more than one occasion. Regardless of Kuldeep striking with his second and 13th deliveries, they were still able to maintain a continuous attack on the wrist spinner. Many anticipate Kuldeep being named in India’s Test line-up. Which will certainly make it interesting to see if Kohli will protect him again as he did during the T20 decider at Bristol.
While England and India are set to stay at their No.1 and No.2 rankings regardless of the results, Headingley will be a marker as the final ODI played in England prior to the World Cup. Which throws in a bit of a knockout pressure.
Stats
- England have won their last four ODIs at Headingley, with their most-recent defeat coming against Sri Lanka in 2011.
- Kuldeep needs two wickets for 50 in ODIs – if he gets them at Headingley, in his 23rd match, he will equal Ajit Agarkar as the fastest for India.
- Dhoni became only the 12th man, and fourth Indian, to record 10,000 ODI runs during his innings at Lord’s.
- Jonny Bairstow needs 68 runs to reach 2000.
By: Noha Abuhadra
Stats Source: ESPNcricinfo.com
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