ENG vs IND 2018: Nice to Right the Wrongs of Last Match - Alex Hales

Backed by Alex Hales, England managed to win a thrilling T20 game against India at Cardiff. The English batsman was on top form and ensured his team remained alive in the ongoing three-game T20 series.

Alex Hales starred for England

Having won the toss and opting to bowl first, England were good at containing in form Indian batsmen. India lost top-order inside five overs and were left in a difficult situation.

But Virat Kohli and Suresh Raina stuck around and forged a 50-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Once Suresh Raina got dismissed, MS Dhoni played a handy knock towards the end.

The veteran cricketer was slow to get off his block and eventually scored some crucial runs towards the end of the innings.

India managed a par 148/5 in their 20 overs. England pacers Liam Plunkett and David Willey were particularly impressive in their excellent showing with the ball. Asked to chase only 149, Indian bowlers were on the mark from the very first ball.

England level series at Cardiff

Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Umesh Yadav kept things very tight inside the powerplay overs. The pressure paid off, as India did not leak easy runs and picked three critical wickets inside first seven overs. Alex Hales was very slow in his start just like the first game.

But the talented power hitter got into his stride, as the innings progressed. Kuldeep Yadav could not weave his magic around, and Yuzvendra Chahal was also not at his best. He got very good support from captain Eoin Morgan and Jonny Bairstow.

Although Indian bowlers did their best to restrict England, Alex Hales was very good in the final over.

He hit a six and four on the first two deliveries of the final over. His unbeaten 58 proved to be the difference between the two sides. Hales rightly got adjudged player of the match. Speaking after the game, Alex Hales said,

“It was much-needed, the series-decider for us in terms of staying in it. Nice to right the wrongs of the last match, personally and team-wise. I’ve never faced Kuldeep before, had to look at a bit of footage to come up with a plan and follow it which we didn’t do last game. Waited for him on the back foot today and looking out for the one floated up.

“The other night was just a bad day at the office. The long-term goal is the 2020 World T20, and getting a spot in the side is good enough – any position. Plunkett, Jordan, they can all bat really well as well, they can all hit boundaries. Bristol will be a cracker, as these are two teams at the top of their games, so we’re in for a show on Sunday.”