IND vs ENG 2nd ODI: England win toss, opt to bowl vs India; Ishan Kishan replaces KL Rahul

England captain Harry Brook won the toss and elected to bowl first against India in the second ODI at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, on Thursday, with the visitors making one change to their playing XI.

India, who lead the three-match series 1-0 after a convincing six-wicket victory in the opener at Edgbaston, brought in wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan for KL Rahul, who misses the match due to illness.

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Shubman Gill admitted he would also have preferred to bowl first but was pleased with India’s all-round display in the opening game.

“We would have bowled first as well. I’m very pleased with the way we performed in the last match, which was close to a complete performance. Hopefully, we can put together another strong game tonight. We had a really good start in the powerplay and our fast bowlers set the tone brilliantly. Although we came under pressure after that phase, the team responded well and it was encouraging to see the bowlers execute their plans. The focus now is on maintaining that intensity and continuing the momentum. We have made one change to the side as KL Rahul is unwell, so Ishan Kishan comes into the playing XI,” Gill said at the toss.

England, meanwhile, made two changes as they look to bounce back and keep the series alive. Fast bowlers Saqib Mahmood and Gus Atkinson replaced Josh Tongue and Liam Dawson, with Brook hoping the grass-covered surface will assist his seam attack.

“We are going to bowl first today. There is a nice, even covering of grass on the pitch, so hopefully there will be a bit of seam movement available for the bowlers. Looking back at the first ODI, it is mainly about executing our plans slightly better. I have always believed this team is never out of a game and the way we fought back in the last match was outstanding. To take the contest that deep showed great character from the group and we want more of the same today. We have made two changes with Saqib Mahmood and Gus Atkinson replacing Josh Tongue and Liam Dawson,” Brook said.

India eye series clinching win

The visitors will be aiming to wrap up the series with a game to spare after Jasprit Bumrah’s impressive return to ODI cricket inspired India’s victory in Birmingham. While the pace attack starred in the opener, India will also hope for bigger contributions from Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli after the experienced duo made modest scores in the first match.

England, on the other hand, need a victory to force a series decider after another inconsistent batting display in the opener despite fighting half-centuries from Joe Root and Liam Dawson.

IND vs ENG 2nd ODI: Playing XIs

England: Harry Brook (c), Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Jos Buttler (wk), Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Saqib Mahmood.

India: Shubman Gill (c), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan (wk), Washington Sundar, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Gurnoor Singh Brar, Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna.