The Sports Buff ⚽️ ⚾️ 🏈

England ended their one day series with India with a narrow seven run defeat to lose the three match series 2-1. In a common theme in the series hosts India were put into bat and unlike the previous two matches were 65-0 after 10 overs, their highest score in the series in the opening power play .

In fact India’s opening pair put on 103 for the first wicket for the first time in the series too. Adil Rashid threatened to derail the hosts innings as the Yorkshire spinner got Rohit Sharma (37) and Shikar Dhawan out in quick succession.

To add to that, was the quick dismissals off Captain Virat Kohli (7) and centurion of the last game KL Rahul (also 7). At 157-4 Kohli’s men were in serious danger of throwing away a good position.

Rishabh Pant (78) and Hardik Pandya (64) put on 99 for the 5th wicket to help the home side regain some initiative. Both men would fall in quick succession and India were on severe danger of getting a below par total on a track that was ideal for batting.

A 47 run stand between Shardul Thakur (30) and Krunal Pandya (25) helped India get above the magic 300. Three quick wickets would fall at the end of the innings as the Indians were all out before all their overs were completed.

England were set a very achievable 330 to win and considering they chased 337 in the last game at a canter, in theory The Three Lions wouldn’t have had a problem chasing this total.

After performing brilliantly throughout the series, Jason Roy (14) and Jonny Bairstow (1) were both dismissed cheaply. Ben Stokes (35) and Dawid Malan (50) combined to put on 40 for the third wicket.

In what was a common theme of the England innings, the tourists struggled to put up a partnership of real significance. The scoreboard showed this as Sam Curran (95 not out) was the only player to go 50 and beyond .

The series defeat all be it in agonising circumstances, was harsh on Sam Curran who scored his maiden half-century in this game and was unlucky to be in the losing side.

This series against the number two ranked side in the world India, was good preparation for the upcoming T20 In India in October.

Curran’s innings and temperament was a great example of the Surrey all-rounders undoubted ability. Some of the more experienced players could take note, yes I am referring to you Moeen Ali.