Preview: India vs England – 4th ODI

First Published : 22 Jan 2013, 13:29
Last Modified : 22 Jan 2013, 13:29

By: Shirin Sadikot in Mumbai

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What

The fourth ODI between India and England in the five-match series

When

January 23, 2013, Wednesday

Where

Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) Stadium, Mohali

The Teams

India: With victories in the last two matches, Team India is in a refreshingly positive mental space. While it was the lower-middle order that set up the crushing win in the second ODI, the bowlers should take bulk of the credit for the seven-wicket win in Ranchi.

MS Dhoni’s spinners have continued to do the job for him on Indian tracks. But it is the two young fast bowlers that have made heads turn with their skills, guile and pace; Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Shami Ahmed will enjoy bowling on the bouncy Mohali track as well.

Virat Kohli’s return among runs was a big plus for India in the Ranchi ODI. He utilised the low-pressure situation of chasing a paltry 155 optimally to regain his form with an unbeaten 77.

However, the regularity with which the Indian openers are failing is alarming. Ajinkya Rahane needs to tighten his technique and fill that big gap between his bat and pad, which has resulted in his fall in the last two ODIs.

Gambhir too has to begin converting the starts. For that he must resist the wild swings outside off-stump and single-mindedly look to spend more time at the crease. If he does that, both his confidence and the run column will see a boost.

Also, in-form Cheteshwar Pujara could get a look in for the Mohali ODI to bolster the top order.

England: Yes, victories and losses are a reflection of how the team has performed. But a lot of blame for England’s 1-2 deficit in the series should go to the batsmen. It is unfair to expect the bowlers to deliver miraculous victories with grand totals of 158 and 155 on the board.

Taking nothing away from the Indian bowlers, the shot selection from some of England’s batsmen has been rather ordinary. Playing the spinners well – a newfound skill that earned England their first Test series win in India after 28 years – seems to have deserted them once again. Losing wickets to Ravindra Jadeja’s arm-ball says it all.

Steven Finn and James Tredwell have led the bowling attack admirably. However, lack of support, especially from their death-overs specialist, Jade Dernbach, has cost the team dearly. Tim Bresnan and Chris Woakes too have been shooting below par.

At this time, Stuart Broad would’ve been a welcome addition to the side. However, the rough snowy weather in England has kept the fit-again pacer from flying out to join the squad in India.

Key Players

India: Fast bowlers from both teams will be delighted to move up north to the seamer-friendly conditions of Mohali. From the Indian perspective, the fine form of Kumar and Shami is expected to blossom further on a track that will offer bounce and swing.

It will also be a good time for the experienced Ishant Sharma to do away with the rustiness he has displayed so far in the series.

England: Kevin Pietersen will be the most precious wicket for the Indians to bag. After being at the rough end of an umpiring decision in Ranchi – which could have been a match-changing moment – England’s in-form No.3 batter will be determined to hit back. And the world knows what KP is capable of, especially when he sets out to prove a point.

The towering Steven Finn will be itching to bowl in Mohali at the prospect of making the Indian batsmen dance to some chin music. Surviving him will be a big part of India’s strategy.

Trivia

- With this match, Mohali will get the distinction of hosting the most day-night one-day internationals among all Indian grounds. It is currently at level with Bangalore’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium with 17 such matches.

- MS Dhoni will be playing his 50^th ODI as captain on Indian soil. He will become the second player to do so after Mohammad Azharuddin.

Statistics

Average first innings score at PCA Stadium, Mohali: 

Overall - 260

Since 2000 - 267

 Average second innings score at PCA Stadium, Mohali: 

Overall - 219

Since 2000 - 219

Result summary at PCA Stadium, Mohali:

Head-to-head:

Last meeting between both sides at PCA Stadium, Mohali:

Brief scores: India (300/5) beat England (298/4) by five wickets on October 20, 2011

 Form guide (most recent listed first):

India: Won, Won, Lost, Won, Lost (3 wins, 2 losses)

England: Lost, Lost, Won, Lost, Won (2 wins, 3 losses)

 The Squads

India: MS Dhoni (capt/wk), Gautam Gambhir, Ajinkya Rahane, Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, R Ashwin, Amit Mishra, Ishant Sharma, Ashoke Dinda, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Shami Ahmed, Rohit Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja

England: Alastair Cook (capt), Ian Bell, Kevin Pietersen, Joe Root, Eoin Morgan, Tim Bresnan, Danny Briggs, Stuart Broad, Jos Buttler, Jade Dernbach, Steven Finn, Craig Kieswetter (wk), Stuart Meaker, James Tredwell, Chris Woakes, Samit Patel