India will aim to clinch the three-match ODI series when they face England in the second ODI at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, on Thursday, after a commanding six-wicket victory in the opener gave them a 1-0 lead.
The visitors produced a clinical all-round performance in Birmingham, with Axar Patel starring with both bat and ball. The left-arm spinner picked up four wickets before steering India’s chase with an unbeaten 57, while Washington Sundar struck his maiden ODI half-century. Captain Shubman Gill also impressed with a fluent 80 before retiring hurt due to cramps.
Gill’s fitness remains a talking point ahead of the second ODI, although the skipper has allayed concerns by confirming that dehydration, rather than an injury, forced him off the field. His presence would be another major boost for an Indian side that looked well-balanced in the series opener.
India are unlikely to make wholesale changes after such a convincing display, though conditions at Sophia Gardens could bring Arshdeep Singh into contention if the team management opts for an extra seam-bowling option. Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel and Washington Sundar are all expected to retain their places after playing key roles in Birmingham.
The spotlight will also be on Rohit Sharma, who is searching for a significant score after a quiet start to the series. The veteran opener will hope to convert his start and provide another solid platform alongside Gill.
England, meanwhile, heads into a must-win encounter. Harry Brook’s side need a victory to keep the series alive after failing to capitalise on promising moments in the first ODI. Joe Root and Liam Dawson offered resistance, but the hosts were ultimately outplayed.
The return of fast bowler Brydon Carse strengthens England’s bowling attack as they look to bounce back on home soil and force a series decider at Lord’s.
IND vs ENG, 2nd ODI: Match details
Date: Thursday, July 16
Time: 5:30 PM IST
Toss time: 5:00 pm (IST)
Venue: Sophia Gardens, Cardiff
Where to watch IND vs ENG 2nd ODI live?
The second ODI between England and India will be broadcast live on the Sony Sports Network and streamed live on the JioHotstar app and website.
Squads
England: Harry Brook (captain), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler (wk), James Coles, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Saqib Mahmood, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Josh Tongue.
India: Shubman Gill (captain), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer (vice-captain), KL Rahul (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna, Arshdeep Singh, Gurnoor Brar, Prince Yadav.