England Make Batting Strides to Breach 300 in 2nd ODI Against India
England showcased a much-improved batting performance in the second ODI against India in Cuttack, putting up a competitive total of 304 on a slow, two-paced surface. Led by key contributions from Joe Root (69) and Ben Duckett (65), along with a late flourish from Liam Livingstone (41), the visitors ensured they crossed the 300-run mark despite India's disciplined bowling effort.
England’s Aggressive Start
Opting for an aggressive approach early on, England made the most of the first PowerPlay, scoring 75 runs. Phil Salt and Ben Duckett looked in fine touch, finding the boundary with ease. While Salt started cautiously, he picked up pace towards the end of the phase. However, as seen throughout the series, England's real challenge lay in countering India’s spin attack.
Varun Chakaravarthy, making his ODI debut, proved to be an immediate threat. He broke the opening stand of 81 runs with a clever loopy leg break that saw Salt mistime a shot straight to mid-on. Ravindra Jadeja (3-35) then tightened the screws, dismissing Duckett at a crucial juncture and putting England in a rebuilding phase.
Root Anchors the Innings
After England lost two quick wickets, Joe Root took charge of the innings, playing a measured knock. He focused on strike rotation rather than aggressive stroke-making, which allowed him to settle in. Meanwhile, Harry Brook struggled to get going, managing only 31 off 52 balls before falling to Harshit Rana in the 30th over.
Jos Buttler then joined Root, and together they added 51 runs, but India struck again at a key moment. Hardik Pandya’s off-pace delivery forced Buttler into a mistimed shot, leaving England searching for another partnership to stabilize their innings.
Late Surge from Livingstone
With Jacob Bethell injured, Liam Livingstone was promoted up the order and played an important role in the final overs. Though England were struggling at 258/6 with five overs remaining, Livingstone’s calculated aggression, combined with a quick cameo from Adil Rashid, helped push the score past 300. Rashid, in particular, took on Mohammed Shami, smashing three consecutive boundaries to ensure England finished strong.
India’s Bowling Efforts
While England managed to post 304, India’s bowlers made sure they never completely ran away with the game. Jadeja was the standout performer, picking up three crucial wickets, while debutant Chakaravarthy impressed with his control. Hardik Pandya and Harshit Rana also contributed with timely breakthroughs.
What Lies Ahead?
England’s total of 304 is competitive, but with the possibility of dew later in the game, India will fancy their chances in the chase. The hosts have a strong batting lineup capable of taking on England’s bowlers, making for an exciting second innings. Can England defend their total, or will India chase it down comfortably? The stage is set for an exciting finish!
Reference from:-https://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/133379/england-make-batting-strides-to-breach-300