Onus Will be on Wrist Spinners - VVS Laxman

After defeating England convincingly by 2-1 in their backyard, India would be looking to continue with the same spirit in the rest of the limited-overs series as they displayed in the recently-concluded Twenty20 series.

So much so, Indian fans will be eyeing the same performance from their heroes to turn the table on. The two teams will lock horns each other on Thursday (July 12) at Trent Bridge in Nottingham.

Considering the One-day International World Cup which is scheduled to take place in next year, Indian players have a great chance to cement their places with handsome figures on English soil.

Moreover, this tour will act as early preparations for Team India to judge the conditions and will make them determined to face the challenges ahead.

Without any doubt, it will provide fair chances for Virat Kohli and his company in the English conditions.

VVS Laxman, the former Team India batsman in his latest column for Times of India wrote,

“Team India came through another test of character with flying colours by clinching the T20 series against England with a convincing win in the decider. It was India’s eighth victory in a three-match T20 series, reiterating the confidence within the group, especially when it comes to crunch games.”

Bowling unit of Team India.

The mystery spin duo of Men in Blue, Kuldeep Yadav, and Yuzvendra Chahal is once again holding a great importance in the 50-over squad.

Considering the figures, Yadav has claimed 20 scalps in his last eight appearances whereas, his partner, Chahal bagged 24 scalps in the last 10 outings.

Owing to the pace battery, Umesh Yadav, and Siddarth Kaul shared the new ball in the absence of injured Jasprit Bumrah and pace spearhead Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

“England started brilliantly against an inexperienced pace attack with Bhuvi also missing through back spasms. I was a little surprised to see Kuldeep left out only one game after his match-winning performance in Manchester. But I am sure he and Yuzvendra Chahal will have a big role to play in the ODI series. England looked on course for 225 after reaching 100 in the 10th over, but the Indian bowlers came back superbly,” Laxman added.

Mind games for both the teams: VVS Laxman

From India’s point of view, Kohli will think to maintain the same paradigm as they did in the T20 series. However, England will be in the search to find the same rhythm which they displayed recently against depleted-looking Australia. Owing to the result, Morgan and his company defeated Australia by 6-0 including a solitary T20.

England surely will be looking for the same motivation to clinch the series against second-ranked India.

“Next up is the 50-over showdown, and I expect another cracking set of contests. England is the No. 1 team, a far more dangerous proposition in the one-day game. And they will be encouraged that India’s pace attack is a little weakened with Bumrah out injured. And Bhuvi an uncertain starter. India’s batting looks in good health. And barring the unforeseen, I don’t anticipate too many changes. There is plenty of class and experience.  And several batsmen haven’t had much to do in the five T20s on tour so far,” Laxman signed off.