Last Updated on 7 years by Charbel Coorey
One of the most anticipated bilateral series in recent times is up and running. In the least significant series out of the three (at least I think so), we have already been treated to some wonderful cricket. I’m sure we will be treated to an awesome decider, and the fact it’s on at 11pm Sydney time instead of 2:30am means I get to watch some of the action!
First up in Manchester, India showed their class and gave a stern reminder to England that they are not a weakened Australia. Then, England bounced back in a low scoring thriller in Cardiff; an absolute cracker of a match and one that was full of drama. I can’t wait for what the decider at Bristol has in store for us.
England did the key things right to win in Cardiff. In the first game, they were tormented by spin. In the second, they stepped up. In the first game, India’s top order, led by KL Rahul, tormented them. In the second, they had India reeling. I described Alex Hales as putting in an audition for the Test side in Manchester, but he also bounced back brilliantly to see England home. Can England do it again in the decider?
India were well below their best on Friday but entered the final over right in with a chance of victory. Even on days where the men in blue aren’t at their best, they are difficult to beat, and they will be of excellent nuisance value once again. On a weekend where the belief is growing stronger that “it’s coming home” in the Football World Cup, India are again involved in a cracking limited overs series, so plenty of eyes will still be glued to this one.
Choosing a winner in this game is one tough ask.
Key to an England win
That England won the 2nd T20I without Jos Buttler firing is encouraging. Of course, England possess a side full of match winners in white ball cricket, but seeing others, namely Alex Hales, seeing England home would be a source of confidence heading into the decider.
England negotiated a tricky chase in Cardiff pretty well, and showed that they can avoid a “boom or bust” approach. The same composure is required in Bristol, with ideally Jos Buttler and Jason Roy getting them off to a flyer. They did in Manchester, but then the middle order crumbled. They didn’t in Cardiff, then the middle order prospered. A complete performance will be the order of the day today.
Also, how good were England in ripping through an excellent top three for India? That they allowed India to get to 148 would be a source of improvement, but more powerplay domination can set them up for a series victory.
Key to an India win
Possible teams
Stats and Facts
- Rohit Sharma needs 14 runs to become the fifth player to 2,000 T20I runs, and second Indian after Virat Kohli.
- Here’s a gem from @swapniltalks: Virat Kohli has now gone seven innings without scoring a T20I fifty. It is the joint most consecutive innings he’s played without a T20I fifty.
- The last T20I game at Bristol was in 2011. Not a bad game to host after so long!
