Two well balanced sides go head to head in quest to clinch the all important T20 International series in Bristol on Sunday. The reason behind referring it as important is the conviction that comes with the victory which will be indispensable going into the ODI’s and Test matches.
England got rid of all demons that reverberated in the ranks post first T20 match at Manchester. They gave a fitting reply to Kuldeep Yadav getting 34 runs of the uncanny bowler without giving away any wickets. They would be thrilled to have solved the spin mystery so early in the long tour. Though they stumbled at different stages of the game, England managed to square the series to set up a mouth watering encounter on Sunday.
India will not be that worried as they almost defended a low tricky score at Cardiff. The only headache to Virat Kohli will be the lack of form and a bizarre overseas history of Rohit Sharma. He seems to be picked on the basis of reputation and talent rather than the merits of recent form. He had an unsuccessful IPL as a batsman as well as a leader. He scored 97 against Ireland in the first T20 but with the help of two missed opportunities by the hosts. KL Rahul has shown glimpses of being a top class opener in this year’s IPL. He should be moved up and in form Dinesh Karthik should be given a look-in.
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With the return of Ben Stokes, it will be tough call for Eoin Morgan to get the combinations right. Joe Root might be rested as he failed miserably in the recent T20 Internationals that he has played for England. Despite the 22 run over, Jake Ball might just cement his position in the side.
Indian seamers have done well despite Bhuvneshwar Kumar failing to defend 12 runs off six balls in the second T20. Batting looked shoddy but it can easily be termed as an off day. Apparently, Virat Kohli will look to play the same XI unless there is any injury concern.
The third and final T20 will begin at 1830 hrs(IST) on Sunday at Bristol.
England (Possible XI): Jos Buttler (wk), Jason Roy, Alex Hales, Ben Stokes, Eoin Morgan (c), Jonny Bairstow, Adil Rashid, Liam Plunkett, David Willey, Chris Jordan, Jake Ball
India (Possible XI): Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli (c), MS Dhoni (wk), Suresh Raina, Hardik Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Umesh Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav