England have played better cricket than India in the ongoing tri-nation series in Australia. While both teams have lost to the hosts, England have managed to score higher, bowl better and have even tasted triumph courtesy a win against Mahendra Singh Dhoni's men. It however comes down to their second and final match against each other in the tournament. The winner will take on Australia in the final but more importantly, it is a chance to fine-tune their plans ahead of the World Cup. Catch live updates here (Live Scorecard | Live Updates)
09.30 (IST): Stuart Broad replaces Woakes and he is welcomed with a cut shot for four from Rahane's blade. The batsman has surely looked to change gears but this is not the first time he has had a start. Can he build on it? India 34/0 from first 10.
0922 (IST): Rahane looks to take on Anderson and has tried to go over the top. While the two openers have done well to see off the first few overs, Rahane has failed to get his timings right in his flighted attempts.
09.12 (IST): Dhawan cuts Woakes and gets a boundary for it. That was a supremely confident shot with a little width on offer. Dhawan got on top of it to dispatch it. Such has been his otherwise woeful form Down Under that the Indian contingent in the stand gives him a loud applause.
09.10 (IST): India openers Dhawan and Rahane understandably watchful early on. James Anderson and Chris Woakes are looking to make full use of the track here.
09.00 (IST): The Perth wicket is showing early signs of typical "tennis ball bounce." Eoin Morgan could add further pressure on Dhawan with a gully in place?
08.58 (IST): Dhawan looks a bit desperate to shrug off early nerves. He gets a delivery from Chris Woakes at cutting length and he obliges, playing it behind point to get off the mark. Two runs taken off Woakes. India 3/0 (2 overs)
08.52 (IST): Excellent first over from James Anderson. Ajinkya Rahane is patient enough to just take a single off it. India 1/0 (1 over)
Shikhar Dhawan walks back after being dismissed by James Anderson at the Gabba.
© AP
08.46 (IST): The entire focus, however, will now be on Shikhar Dhawan. The left-handed opener is going through a lean patch and has divided opinion among experts on whether he should play or make way for a better top-order option.
08.45 (IST): Harsha Bhogle makes a valid point regarding India's bowling line-up today.
08.31 (IST): England win toss, opt to bowl vs India. Ishant Sharma makes way for Mohit Sharma. Rohit Sharma still out injured.
08.05 (IST): The English team are out practicing at the WACA. A massive knockout game coming up today.
India and England in action during Tri-series in Australia.
© AFP
World champions India have had a horrid time Down Under. After losing the Test series, the side has not had a single win in the ODIs so far. While wins have eluded them, form too is playing hide and seek with many of the players. A win against England then, may do more than just propel the team to the final. It can lift morale, fix drooping shoulders and give a base from where the team can pick up its plans for the World Cup next month.(Dhoni Hints Kohli May Have to 'Sacrifice' No. 3 Position)
It won't be easy though.
Opener Shikhar Dhawan has been in woeful form. He has scored 11 from his three ODIs Down Under, forcing many to call him a flat-track bully. The Delhi batsman though has retained his opening slot, which cannot be said about his Ranji teammate and India vice-captain.(Rohit Undergoes Fitness Test)
Virat Kohli's batting position has been the biggest debate for the side. At ease batting at No. 3, the batsman has been coming out at No. 4 instead and has been almost as rickety as Dhawan. Kohli has managed an embarrassing 16 from his three innings in the tri-nation ODI series. With Dhoni making it clear that the team's interest comes before individual preferences for particular batting numbers, Kohli is unlikely to get his favourite spot back any time soon. After scoring just four in the previous match against England, Kohli should be ready with a new excuse if he fails once again.(Dhoni Aiming for 'Best XI')
The bowling - while it has not been as poor as the batting - has hardly been impressive either. The pace battery is in need of a jump start with even former India pacer Javagal Srinath stressing on it.(How Long Will India Experiment?)
In complete contrast, Steven Finn and James Anderson have led England ably in the ongoing series. Finn claimed five wickets in the previous match against India when England bullied their way to a nine-wicket win. Anderson too had four wickets in the same match. Perth, the venue for Friday's match, will once again provide ideal bouncy conditions to the two to mock India's batting line-up.(The Dhawna Dilemma)
Interesting stats from Perth:
India have won four and lost five ODIs at Perth.
England have won nine and lost four ODIs here.
Virat Kohli's 77 is the highest individual ODI score by an Indian here.
India's last ODI win here came against Sri Lanka in February, 2012. The team won by four wickets.
As for England's batting, Eoin Morgan is a name enough to make the English feel confident. The captain has been in good form and is determined to win against India so that the momentum can be taken into the World Cup.
While the two teams may be at different ends of the ICC ODI team rankings but England would definitely go in as firm favourites.
(All stats by Rajesh Kumar)
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