February 6, 2025: IND Vs ENG Nagpur: In a thrilling start to the first ODI between India and England in Nagpur, the visitors were bowled out for just 248, with India’s bowlers producing an impressive performance. Despite a strong foundation laid by England’s openers, India’s bowlers, led by spinners Ravindra Jadeja and debutant Harshit Rana, restricted the visitors from building on their early advantage. With England’s batting crumbling under pressure, India looks well on its way to taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Ind Vs Eng ODI: Kohli’s Absence Highlights India’s Strong Response
Virat Kohli was a last-minute absentee from the Indian squad due to a knee injury sustained during training. This unexpected setback forced the Indian management to bring in Yashasvi Jaiswal, who was making his ODI debut, and Harshit Rana, another debutant, was tasked with playing a crucial role in India’s bowling attack.
Rohit Sharma, India’s captain, revealed Kohli had injured his right knee during Wednesday’s training session, forcing him out of the game. Despite this, India’s bowling attack took charge, dismantling England’s batting line-up for a total of just 248 runs.
Jadeja and Rana Lead India’s Bowling Charge
As seen in their successful IND vs ENG T20I series, India’s spinners proved to be the game-changers. Ravindra Jadeja, with his brilliant spell of 3 for 26, led the charge in controlling England’s middle-order, while Rana made a remarkable debut with 3 wickets for 53 runs. The debutant’s performance was critical as he sparked a collapse after a promising start from the English top order.
Rana’s lethal spell saw him claim two key wickets in the space of eight deliveries at the tail end of the powerplay. His ability to break partnerships at crucial junctures was pivotal in keeping England on the back foot.
IND Vs ENG: England’s Top Order Struggles, Buttler and Bethell Fight Back
England’s innings started brightly with Phil Salt and Ben Duckett, who found quick runs off Rana and Axar Patel. Salt’s aggressive batting in particular, smashing 26 runs off one over from Rana, put England in a strong position. However, a miscommunication led to Salt’s unfortunate run-out at 75, and the subsequent collapse seemed inevitable.
Rana continued to wreak havoc with key wickets, including Duckett and Harry Brook, leaving England at 111 for 4. Jos Buttler, England’s captain, stood firm and played a resilient knock of 52, trying to hold the innings together. His fifty came off 58 balls and featured some deft stroke play against India’s spinners. However, Buttler’s resistance was short-lived, as he fell to a miscue off Axar Patel, handing a simple catch to Hardik Pandya.
Bethell’s Fifty and England’s Final Push
Youngster Jacob Bethell (51) fought valiantly to keep England’s hopes alive. His partnership with Buttler had looked promising, but once the wickets of Liam Livingstone, Brydon Carse, and Buttler fell, Bethell was left without support. Despite his best efforts, he was trapped lbw by Jadeja just after reaching his second ODI half-century.
England’s lower order, including Jofra Archer, managed a few quick runs, but they could not prevent the inevitable. Archer’s 21 not out, including a towering hook shot for six, provided some late entertainment. However, Kuldeep Yadav had the last word, dismissing Saqib Mahmood for a stumping to end England’s innings at 248 with 14 deliveries to spare.
Conclusion: India on Track for Victory
With 248 on the board, England will be hoping their bowlers can put up a fight in the second innings. However, India’s potent bowling attack and the strong presence of their batsmen suggest they are in a commanding position to take control of the game and push for a victory.
The first ODI has certainly lived up to expectations, with India’s spinners and debutants showcasing their talent and making a significant impact on the game. As the series continues, all eyes will be on India’s chase of the 248-run target and whether they can clinch a 1-0 lead in this highly anticipated three-match ODI series.
Tags: India cricket, England cricket, ODI cricket, first ODI, Harshit Rana, Ravindra Jadeja, Virat Kohli injury, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Jos Buttler, ODI bowling, cricket match, India vs England, cricket news
