Last Updated on 18 seconds ago by Charbel Coorey
England’s T20I resurgence has continued as they smashed India by nine wickets with 37 balls to spare to gain an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series.
India are experiencing an unprecedented run. Never before has the men’s team gone six T20Is without a win, and the manner of the defeats is of great concern. After going down 2-0 in Ireland late last month, the T20 World Cup champions have barely fired a shot in England.
England’s use of the short ball got the better of India’s struggling top order, with the top three combining for just 35 runs off 30 balls. Shivam Dube (22 off 23), Tilak Varma (11 off 8) and Washington Sundar (5 off 8) also failed to get going. Only captain Shreyas Iyer (80* off 49 balls) put any pressure on the England bowlers, but there simply wasn’t enough impact at the other end to get India to a competitive score.
158 seemed under par, and that’s how it proved despite India having hope early in England’s innings. Jos Buttler’s lean run in T20Is continued as Phil Salt took 10 deliveries to get off the mark. However, Harry Brook, who has looked in superb touch this series, was at his damaging best as the Indian bowlers had no answers.
If the Indians bowled short, Brook gave himself enough room to swat away over the off or leg side. Too full and he’d either ramp or smash the ball back where it came from. The game was a foregone conclusion by the end of the powerplay with England 68/1, before Brook went up a few gears to lead England to a thumping win.
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Captain Shreyas Iyer says this is a transition phase for India after losing back-to-back T20I series for the first time since 2018-19.
“It was a disappointing one. 158 wasn’t a perfect total on the board and eventually we saw how quickly they chased it down,” Iyer said after the match.
“This is a transition phase and we will be making a lot of mistakes. A lot of youngsters were playing in these conditions for the first time. Mistakes will be important to realise how we need to adapt in overseas conditions. Important to learn quickly.”
Harry Brook was thrilled after England’s performance. He said the communication from the coaches has been key in England’s performances in T20Is.
“It was great fun tonight. Always good to beat India. They are a very good side, always have been. So very happy,” Brook said.
“Two things stand out for sure. The way we have adapted to the surface and used different skills to combat that surface. And the communication from the coaches has been fantastic.”
England fans praise Brook and team for improvement in T20Is
India fans critical of selections and performances
The fifth and final T20I will be played in Southampton on Saturday. The two nations will then square off in an ODI series starting Tuesday in Birmingham.
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