India bounced back on their UK tour with a convincing six-wicket win over England in the opening ODI at Edgbaston. While the team had struggled during the T20I leg, the switch to the 50-over format brought a welcome change in fortunes. Jasprit Bumrah’s return with the ball and Shubman Gill’s composed captain’s knock laid the foundation for an important victory.

India also received a timely boost from Axar Patel, whose all-round display helped the visitors complete a successful chase of 259 on a challenging surface.

Shubman Gill anchors India’s chase after early setbacks

India’s pursuit of 259 did not begin smoothly. Rohit Sharma managed only 11 runs, while Virat Kohli departed for five, leaving the visitors under early pressure.

Shubman Gill
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India skipper Shubman Gill raises his bat after reaching half-century against England | X [BCCI]

Gill responded with a captain’s innings, scoring 80 from 75 deliveries before retiring hurt with cramps. He looked the most comfortable batter on a pitch that offered extra bounce and movement, adjusting quickly to the conditions. His willingness to step out against the bowlers reflected the confidence with which he approached the innings. The skipper then stitched together a crucial 101-run partnership with vice-captain Shreyas Iyer. Their stand steadied the chase and shifted the momentum firmly towards India.

After Gill left the field, India briefly stumbled as Iyer was run out and KL Rahul dragged one back onto his stumps. However, Washington Sundar and Axar Patel remained calm under pressure and guided the visitors home with sensible batting.

Axar finished unbeaten on 57, adding to his four wickets earlier in the match. Although he struggled to find rhythm with the ball during the middle overs, his unbeaten half-century underlined the value he brings to the ODI side. Gill’s innings also strengthened his case for a longer run in India’s T20I plans, especially considering the team’s overseas commitments in the coming years.

Jasprit Bumrah makes an immediate impact on ODI return

India’s biggest positive came with the return of Jasprit Bumrah, who played his first ODI since the 2023 World Cup final.

On a lively Edgbaston pitch, Bumrah immediately troubled England’s top order with pace, movement and relentless accuracy. Ben Duckett found scoring difficult against the Indian fast bowler, while Prasidh Krishna complemented him well by extracting extra bounce from the surface.

India’s pace attack looked sharper with Bumrah leading from the front, highlighting the difference his presence makes to the bowling unit.

England collapse after strong opening partnership

England chose to bat first after winning the toss and looked comfortable at 60 without loss. However, the innings changed dramatically within a few overs. The hosts slipped from 60 for no loss to 80 for five in the space of just 26 deliveries as Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna and Gurnoor Brar ripped through the batting order.

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Brar provided the first breakthrough by dismissing both openers in the same over, with extra bounce proving decisive on both occasions.

Bumrah then struck again by forcing Harry Brook to edge to first slip before Prasidh removed Jos Buttler and Sam Curran with attacking deliveries that produced false shots. By the 22nd over, England had fallen to 107 for six and appeared headed for a much lower total.

Joe Root and Liam Dawson revive England before late collapse

England recovered through Joe Root and Liam Dawson, who rebuilt the innings with an important partnership. Root remained unbeaten on 76, while Dawson contributed 68 to lift England into a competitive position. Their efforts pushed the total beyond 250 and briefly put pressure back on India.

Joe Root and Liam Dawson
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Joe Root and Liam Dawson during their partnership against India | X [Cricbuzz]

However, England lost their final three wickets for just eight runs, collapsing from 250 for seven to 258 all out. Root was left stranded at the non-striker’s end with 13 deliveries still remaining, limiting England’s chances of posting a bigger score.’

India’s team combination remains a talking point

India once again opted for batting depth by selecting three all-rounders in Axar Patel, Washington Sundar and Shivam Dube. The decision meant wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav missed out. While the strategy strengthened the batting line-up, Kuldeep’s absence became noticeable once the pitch eased during England’s recovery.

India also missed an opportunity when Shivam Dube dropped a straightforward catch offered by Root off his own bowling, allowing England to rebuild.

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Another concern remains the availability of Harshit Rana. The young pacer returned after a lengthy injury lay-off but suffered a hamstring problem during the T20I series, reducing India’s pace bowling options.

Despite those selection questions, India completed a convincing victory through disciplined bowling, Gill’s composed leadership and Axar Patel’s valuable all-round contribution. The result gives the visitors momentum as they continue their ODI campaign in England.

FAQs

How did Jasprit Bumrah perform in his ODI comeback against England?

Bumrah led India’s pace attack with a superb spell that triggered England’s middle-order collapse.

Who were India’s top performers in the first ODI against England?

Shubman Gill scored 80, Axar Patel starred with four wickets and an unbeaten 57, while Jasprit Bumrah impressed on his ODI return.