India and England are playing their 2nd ODI match at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack. As we know, India beat England on 6th February and is leading the series of three matches. Today, again, England won the toss and chose to bat. Barabati Stadium was expected to be favourable for Indian fast bowlers but the reality is different.
England’s openers, Phil Salt and Ben Duckett, were doing well, but Varun Chakravarthy’s spell shook them. Phil Salt made 26 runs in 29 balls, with 2 fours and 1 six, but was caught out by Ravindra Jadeja on Varun’s ball in 10.5 overs. The other opener, Ben Duckett, has made 63 runs in just 52 balls, with 10 fours. His half-century in just 36 balls has given England hope for their quality inning.
An up to standard opening is what Englans was expecting when, Jos Butler, England’s captain, chose to bat first. Joe Root has come on the field after Phil’s wicket. He and Ben will try to stay on the pitch and build confidence, unlike last time. England has made a total of 98 runs in 15 overs, which is a good score compared to their last performance.
Indian Bowlers struggling to get wickets but Spinners may get enough value
Varun Chakravarthy’s name was in the news last week when Ashwin expressed his wish to see him join the Indian team in ODIs. Today, he took the first wicket for India with his amazing spell and proved his worth. However, the other bowlers are struggling to penetrate England’s defense.
Mohammed Shami, Hardik Pandya, Harshit Rana, and Varun Chakravarthy have bowled against England so far. In 4 overs, Mohammed Shami has given 30 runs, which is currently the highest. Harshit Rana has given 25 runs, Hardik Pandya 26, and Varun Chakravarthy 15.
A great partnership can be formed between Joe Root and Ben Duckett and England’s reach as they have crossed a 100 runs’ mark. Indian spinners are holding England’s batsmen so it is expected to see more of Varun and Ravindra Jadeja. Axar Patel has not been given the chance to bowl yet but might be given soon. Joe Root is looking controlled against India’s magical spinners nevertheless he is an expert at making his way through high-stakes situations.
