(Info4Now)– Having replaced Morgan as stand-in captain Buttler first won the toss to carry on the former’s fortune and after that he was excellent with own duty in the field. As England are going to lock horns with a superbly balanced India in India vs England 3rd ODI, Buttler must be looking for another terrific performance from the team and India might go to the bench asking for an effective change.
With his plan to keep it tight in the middle with Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid, Buttler might be criticised for a defensive strategy. It was something that carries enough risk of being costly in the later part of the game. But which draws your attention is that Buttler very successfully kept Ben Stokes off business. India came back hard and with sheer counter attack took it to 336. While chasing 336, England did what they had done in the first game or how they play ODIs. As Ben Stokes played a fiery innings, it was easy on the eye.
Preview: India vs England 3rd ODI
With Krunal Pandya’s sensational debut in the first game, the seventh spot looked very okay, but it’s time to bring someone who can bowl a bit straighter. If Washington Sundar is included in the playing XI in his place, it’ll not affect the batting at all. India’s middle order unlike the opposition’s is very solid and the management must try to go for six premier batsmen. Chahal’s inclusion is going to be the easiest prediction on my part and, either Md. Siraj or T. Natarajan will replace Thakur.
Rohit Sharma has to play more deliveries at the start to have a great start. Virat Kohli’s rejuvenated consistency is a good sign for Team India. But if he can stick to the wicket for more time, he can deliver runs with minimum balls. The more he hangs in the middle, the better strike rate he can produce. K. L. Rahul is back to his natural form and was consistent in both the games. If Washington Sundar makes No. 7, he can rotate strike with his partner.
As England are still very unstable in the middle and lower middle order, Tom Curran might remain in the side and maintain the winning combination. Ben Stokes bowled only five overs in the last game, as Moeen Ali was very accurate. If he can do it again in the final contest of the Eng vs Ind series, it’s going to be the best gain in the attack. But if he fails, Stokes and Sam Curran have to take more responsibility. Adil Rashid and Reece Tooley are fine with their lines.
As we said in the last preview, India vs England 2nd ODI, England have no problem with the opening; but the more important thing is their incredible consistency. Besides, they can go long with an excellent strike rate. To solidify the middle order Jos Buttler has to get back to form. He has just one chance to take it home and the English camp will be hoping for a healthy innings from him. Down the orders, no one is at home. So if time comes, Sam Curran and Moeen Ali should carry out the task with delicacy.
Conclusion
While England have to stick to almost the same XI, India have a strong backup to bounce back. India should go with a fit and fine combination in the last game. As Jos Buttler is leading very well, England shouldn’t mind their small bench. As it’s still a fine ground to chase, captains must go for bowling first.