IND v ENG, 3rd ODI Preview: Eoin Morgan seeks redemption for England in Eden Gardens

Eoin Morgan’s England was treated to a horrible 15-run loss at Cuttack. The heartbreak could perhaps be the catalyst for the southpaw and his band of merry men to play for pride and with freedom to ensure that they do not go away from the ODI series empty handed. Of course, they have played incredibly well in the series as well, but the results and the result-oriented audiences would certainly have a lot of flak for the side.

As for the Indians, they come into the series on the back of some amazing form given the fact that they are on a role as well. The BCCI shakeup seemingly does not seem to affect them given the fact that they are now on the verge of completing yet another win in the Eden Gardens as well.

Prelude

The prelude would see the spotlight on the team selection coming into the third and final ODI of the series. This is perhaps the time when the XI cannot be predicted by anyone, to say the least. The spotlight will, however, be on the Indian batsmen, some of whom have certainly not been performing all too well in recent times. The likes of KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan and others will be looking over their shoulders as it remains to be seen what happens as the Indian team looks to chop and change their batting order.

Kohli’s eye on the Champions’ Trophy

With the ICC Champions Trophy right around the corner, it would seem quite clear that Virat Kohli has one eye on the same. Moreover, the Indian skipper would also like to try out his bench strength as the Indians would not want to be underprepared when it comes to playing on the bigger stage in England. Moreover, there is also a massive talent pool on the bench with the likes of Manish Pandey and Amit Mishra in the side as well. Whether any change is made, it remains to be seen.

Also read- MS Dhoni leads Team India in absence of Virat in the optional training session

England’s pride at stake

England and their tour have derailed quite a bit following the massive amount of buildup that has taken place. However, as mentioned earlier, it would take a herculean effort to ensure that they win the match at Kolkata, but there will be much more in play here as well. Eoin Morgan will be looking to get his nose in front of his counterparts in India as they aim to draw blood in the overall context of the series.

India

Unlike England, India is not forced into making a change. However, the bench would certainly get a look-in while the whole matter would see a few changes made as well. Ajinkya Rahane could find himself making a comeback in the place of out of form Shikhar Dhawan.

England

As for England, they will be forced to change their XI with an injury to Alex Hales and Joe Root. This will see Sam Billings back in his opening slot to partner Jason Roy while David Willey also would be an option. Jonny Bairstow will fill in for the injured Joe Root.

Toss: India won the toss & elected to field first

Quotes from the toss:

Eoin Morgan: “This is probably the most grass I have ever seen on an Eden Gardens pitch. We haven’t played our complete game yet. Our batters have performed really well and the bowlers haven’t quite hit the straps. Scoring 350 as a side in the first two games puts the batting unit in a good space. Two changes for us, Alex Hales has gone home with a broken finger and Joe Root has a niggle, Sam Billings and Jonny Bairstow are in.”

Virat Kohli: “We are going to bowl first, I don’t think the pitch will change much. Yes there has been dew, but not too early. It’s a massive factor in the last 15 overs or so. One change for us, Ajinkya Rahane is playing in place of Shikhar Dhawan.”

Playing XI

StAttack

1. The last time England won an ODI series against India was in the NatWest series in 2011. It looks as though they would have to wait another year or so to have a crack at the Indians once again.

2. Ravindra Jadeja requires 122 runs to complete 2000 ODI runs. Another record beckons for the left-arm spinner as he requires just one wicket to complete 150 ODI wickets. Ravi Ashwin requires 5 wickets to complete the same.

3. MS Dhoni requires 6 more stumpings to complete 100 ODI stumpings. He will become the first Indian wicketkeeper to do the same.

4. After completing his 1000 ODI runs, Moeen Ali now requires seven wickets to complete 50 ODI wickets.

5. Jos Buttler is just three stumpings away from becoming the wicketkeeper with the most number of stumpings for England. He is on 12 with legendary England keeper Alec Stewart on 15.

6. The third ODI in Kolkata will be Eoin Morgan’s 150th ODI for England. He will become only the sixth player from England to have played as many ODIs.

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