Last Updated on 10 years by Charbel Coorey

Struggling – What does this series mean for Cook?

A terribly one-sided series (thankfully) ends in Headingly. For India, it has been a series which has further reinforced their 2015 World Cup credentials. They’ll look for a 4-0 clean sweep here after claiming their first ODI series win on English soil since 1990 in the 4th ODI. Tougher tests await for the Indians but they are looking a good unit in the ODI format. For England, it has been a series where the doubters (namely Graeme Swann & Michael Vaughan) have not been proven wrong at all. They have been thrashed in all three completed ODIs this series. Alastair Cook looks a beaten man.

The statistics mirror the results in this series. Five Indian batsmen are averaging over 50. For England, one batsman averages over 30. Only one Indian bowler has an economy rate of 5 or more with that man being last match debutant Dhawal Kulkarni – economy rate of exactly 5.00. For England, every bowler except off spinner James Tredwell has been going at greater than 5 runs an over. What contrast between the two sides.

Huge partnership – Alastair Cook sees another disappear.

These statistics mean that England need a major turnaround just to win one match. How can anyone really take their World Cup “credentials” seriously? Even their captain, Alastair Cook, has claimed that their World Cup chances look pretty slim. And slim they are. They simply do not possess the aggressiveness required to be successful in the ODI format. Their batting is poor – low run rates and loss of wickets at regular intervals. Their bowling is also very disappointing as there is so little wicket taking intent. Alastair Cook’s body language when the Indians were 0/30 odd in the last match said it all. I called for a mercy rule right there and then.

For India, Shikhar Dhawan found some form and Ajinkya Rahane finally hit that big score that was seemingly always around the corner. However, I think India would like to be challenged a little more in this game so they can see where their death bowling is at and how strong their middle order really is. Nonetheless, they have the team and the passion for this format to take this game by the scruff of the neck and build on their success in the coming months.

Batsmen to watch:
For England, Alex Hales, Eoin Morgan and Jos Buttler are considered to be the dynamic players in this England line up. They’ve all been under par this series, which has contributed to England’s disappointing batting performance. England and Alastair Cook (who is also struggling) would want solid contributions from at least two of the three.

For India, Ajinkya Rahane is such a wonderful player to watch. He’s such an elegant player and when he’s in good touch, everything seems effortless. Another good score from him will further stake his claim for the opener position in ODIs.

Bowlers to watch:
For England, their lineup requires a complete team effort but I would love to see Steven Finn find some form here. He’s arguably their best pace bowling prospect and he’s still living on future potential. He’s been around in international cricket for 4 years now, so needs to start showing what he’s made of on a more consistent basis. For me, he must open the bowling and Alastair Cook must try to take wickets when Finny is bowling. Alastair, that means catchers, please.

For India, Bhuvneshwar Kumar is one to watch at the top. His dismantling of Alex Hales in the previous game was quality stuff. His tour of England started so brightly in the Tests but he faded away just like his team. The ODIs have brought him back to life and he continues to impress with that awesome swing he possesses. He’ll want to have another solid outing here.

Prediction: India to win again. England are a mess and I can’t see them turning it around at Headingly. India are on a roll and they’ll continue on their path towards the World Cup with another win here. Whether England put up a better fight remains to be seen.