110, 246, 259 – these were England’s scores in the three-match ODI series against India. Only one batter throughout the series scored a fifty and thus it was a disappointing series loss for the hosts after India won the decider by five wickets at Old Trafford, Manchester on Sunday to take the series 2-1.
England captain Jos Buttler admitted they didn’t bat at their best after the series loss. The home team could only manage 259 runs on the board after they were put in to bat by Rohit Sharma. Buttler scored 60 runs but the rest of the batters could not convert their starts into substantial scores.
Buttler feels the team didn’t bat well throughout the summer against India in the white-ball leg. In fact, the Old Trafford pitch was a paradise for the batters. It had some extra bounce but there was not much lateral movement in the air or off the pitch.
Thus, run-scoring should have been comparatively easier for England batters. Both Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow, who had an amazing fifth Test match, also could not get going in the ODIs.
On the other hand, Buttler feels Reece Topley was a big positive for them. The lanky paceman returned with England’s best bowling figures in ODIs as he had picked 6-24 in the second ODI. Topley once again took three wickets in the third ODI and got rid of India’s top order.
Meanwhile, Jos Buttler also missed a stumping chance against Rishabh Pant when the left-hander was only on 18 runs. The southpaw went on to score an unbeaten knock of 125 runs to help his team win by five wickets and thus the missed chance proved costly for the home team.
Jos Buttler said in the post-match presentation, “I thought we were short (of runs). Needed a good start which we got actually (with the ball). Throughout the whole summer so far we haven’t batted our best. He (Topley) has been brilliant for us, put in a man-of-the-match performance in the T20s as well. He was just creaking a bit, it’s been a tough schedule, and will probably have to look after him (Topley bowling 7 overs).”
He added, “If you give good players a chance they hurt you, half-chance with Pandya, along with the stumping. If we took our chances, with India’s tail, could’ve got hold of the game. I’ve found it (captaincy) absolutely fine to be honest. Missed a chance but don’t think it’s got anything to do with captaincy. I’m an experienced cricketer but a young captain. Rash (Rashid) has probably been the most important player in our team for a long time. Look forward to welcoming him back.”
England will now take on South Africa in the first ODI on Tuesday.
