Shubman Gill’s brilliant 112 in his 50th ODI powered India to a commanding victory over England, securing a 3-0 series whitewash. With spinners dominating, India’s well-rounded performance sets the stage for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy.
Introduction:
India concluded their ODI series against England in style, winning a 3-0 whitewash with a dominating 98-run victory at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Shubman Gill marked his 50th ODI in style with a majestic 112, while India’s spinners doused England’s pursuit to seal a comfortable victory.
Having already sealed the series with wins in the first two ODIs, India flexed their muscle, piling up 356 – their highest ODI score at this ground and the joint third-highest against England. The game was also the last 50-over game for the two teams before the ICC Champions Trophy next week. See also: Rohit Sharma’s Century Powers India Victory
Shubman Gill’s Record-Breaking Knock
On a hot day in Ahmedabad, Gill asserted himself with a seventh ODI century, the most by any Indian in their first 50 games. His knock was a fine blend of aggression and composure, following his previous scores of 87 and 60 in the series.
Gill was ably supported by Virat Kohli (52) and Shreyas Iyer (78 off 64), chipping in with vital partnerships of 116 and 104, respectively. Their contribution ensured India set an imposing target for England.
But England’s Adil Rashid created some resistance with his best ODI figures in India with 4 for 64. But the damage was already done as India closed on a mighty 356.
England’s Struggles in the Chase
Jos Buttler, who chose to bowl first after winning the toss, could have regretted his decision as India’s batting line-up made the most of the conditions. England’s pacers were struggled, especially Gus Atkinson, who had a forgettable game, conceding 74 runs in eight overs.
England’s response started on a bright note with Phil Salt and Ben Duckett scoring with ease. But their openers were unsettled by the astute bowling of India’s pacers. Arshdeep Singh’s knuckleball fooled Duckett into an easy catch for Rohit Sharma, while Phil Salt was bowled by a well-directed slower bouncer, caught by Axar Patel at point.
By the powerplay, England were at 84/2, but the task of negotiating through India’s spinners hung over them.
Spinners Choke England’s Middle Order
With England needing to settle in the middle overs, their middle-order batsmen were lost at sea against the turn and bounce created by India’s spinners. Kuldeep Yadav got rid of Tom Banton with a sharp-spinning ball, much like Kohli’s dismissal earlier. Axar Patel got rid of Joe Root’s wicket, inflicting a massive blow on England’s chase.
Hardik Pandya and Washington Sundar joined the party, getting rid of key batsmen, including Buttler and Rashid, leaving England in shambles. By the 35th over, England had been reduced to 220/7, more or less losing their chances of chasing the humongous total.
India’s Bowling Concerns Ahead of Champions Trophy
Even with an easy series win, India will have concerns about their fast-bowling unit going into the ICC Champions Trophy. While their spinners were exemplary in this series, the pace attack has not been able to take early wickets consistently.
Hardik Pandya’s fitness and form with the ball will be key in keeping the team’s balance intact. With Jasprit Bumrah out of action, India will turn to their seamers to rise to the occasion against sterner tests in the upcoming tournament.
England’s ODI Woes Continue
This series has also revealed England’s vulnerability when it comes to dealing with spin in ODIs, and their middle order has also not been able to deal with quality spin bowling, a weakness that can be exploited by other teams in the Champions Trophy.
Their most experienced batter, Joe Root, is their best hope, but England will have to re-jig their game against spin if they are to compete at the highest level.
Conclusion: India Peaking at the Right Time
India’s 3-0 whitewash in the series seals them as one of the favorites in the Champions Trophy. Shubman Gill’s performance, the middle order revival, and success of their spinners are positive signs for their campaign.
For England, there is much to think about. Their inability to cope with spin and inconsistency while bowling are gigantic issues. They will have to rebuild at lightning speed if they are to challenge for the Champions Trophy.
As both teams turn their attention to the high-stakes tournament, India’s dominant performance in this series will be a huge confidence booster in their pursuit of silverware.