Last Updated on 7 years by Charbel Coorey
One of the most anticipated bilateral series in recent times begins on the same day as a football World Cup knock-out match involving England. It is a little bit of a shame that this is the case, but the T20 series, for me, is an entree before the big main meal comprising of what is sure to be flavoursome ODIs and Tests.
The entree, though, still promises to be delicious, and will be sure to leave us wanting plenty more.
England are feeling good about themselves, defeating the old enemy Australia 6-0 across ODIs and a T20I. Australia’s bowlers look much happier in Zimbabwe as opposed to England, a credit to England’s powerful batting line up that India need to guard against. Jos Buttler is in the form of his life at the moment, and his form is complemented brilliantly by the likes of Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow. Can they give India a similar dose?
One thing that is for sure, though, is that if England expect to dominate India the same way they dominated Australia, they will be in for a shock. They should be also in for a few head assessments, as such a mindset will get you nowhere. Even with the loss of Jasprit Bumrah for the T20Is, India still possess a well-rounded attack, and of course, an excellent batting line up in this format. Can India start their massive tour of England in great fashion?
Key to an England win
Skipper Eoin Morgan rightly said that focusing only on Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal is a dangerous thing to do. In other words, England’s powerplay overs against the likes of Bhuvneshwar Kumar is key to setting the innings up, and ensuring they aren’t under significant pressure when the spinners are on.
In Jos Buttler, England have arguably the best keeper-batsman in the world right now, and if he can push India onto the back foot early, his team will be set up nicely for a good finish. Such is the quality of England’s side is that there are various others in the side who can cause damage as well. Jason Roy, Alex Hales and Jonny Bairstow are also in superb form, and Eoin Morgan and Joe Root will also be keen to hurt India.
However, can England’s bowlers limit India’s batsmen? In comparison to Australia’s injury and suspension hit line up, India’s batting will be sure to provide a sterner test.
Key to an India win
Like England, India will be tasked with containing a strong batting line up. Like England, India can’t expect to have things their own way like their previous T20 assignment.
A big key for me is how India go without Jasprit Bumrah, one of the finest limited overs bowlers in the world. Their wristspinners are having an amazing 2018 so far for India, and if they can bowl eight economical overs (under eight an over), with a couple of wickets, India will be on the right track. Another food for thought is whether India go with Umesh Yadav, a fantastic powerplay bowler, to target Jos Buttler? Strategically, India will have to be on song.
In addition, India racked up two 200+ scores in Ireland recently, but will face a sterner test today. They need to keep the pressure on an England bowling line up that still has its question marks. Eyes will be on the top order, including Virat Kohli, who managed just nine runs in two innings in Ireland, as well as India’s middle order, who will be tasked with finishing the innings well.
Possible teams
Expect England to stick with the same team that beat Australia in a recent T20I, with Ben Stokes to return in the ODIs.
England XI: 1. Jason Roy, 2. Jos Buttler (wk), 3. Joe Root, 4. Eoin Morgan (c), 5. Alex Hales, 6. Jonny Bairstow, 7. Moeen Ali, 8. David Willey, 9. Liam Plunkett, 10. Chris Jordan, 11. Adil Rashid
For India, there are a few possibilities, especially with the bowling attack. Can they bank on Hardik Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and the spinners to do well at the death, with Umesh Yadav not particularly great at that stage? Or does Siddarth Kaul get a go? Will also be interesting to see if India go with Krunal Pandya, who has received a well deserved call up to the squad.
India XI: 1. Rohit Sharma, 2. Shikhar Dhawan, 3. KL Rahul, 4. Virat Kohli (c), 5. MS Dhoni (wk), 6. Krunal Pandya/Suresh Raina/Dinesh Karthik/Manish Pandey, 7. Hardik Pandya, 8. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 9. Umesh Yadav/Siddarth Kaul, 10. Kuldeep Yadav, 11. Yuzvendra Chahal
Stats and Facts
- Virat Kohli needs just eight runs to reach 2,000 runs in T20Is. He will be by far the quickest to the mark. Rohit Sharma is just 51 runs away, but has played an extra 12 matches than Kohli.
- England have won all three T20Is v India in England.
- Kuldeep Yadav (11.2) and Yuzvendra Chahal (13) have the best and third best strike rates among all bowlers who have bowled in at least ten T20I innings.
- Jos Buttler’s last seven T20 innings, since moving to opener for Rajasthan Royals: 67, 51, 82, 95*, 94*, 39, 61
- Umesh Yadav has played just two T20Is for India! His break of 65 matches between appearances is an Indian record.
Prediction
Really difficult one to predict. One factor could potentially be the focus on football across England, rather than this game, which could work in India’s favour.
However, at home, I will go with England to pick up a tight win. Promises to be a good clash!
