5 reasons England could win the next ODI Series
The England cricket team are currently away in India for the ODI Series, which began on Sunday.
After starting confidently with their first warm-up victory, the 'Tourists' are in a strong position going into the tournament, but can they lead the team to victory?
Newitts takes a look at the current position of the England cricket team and considers 5 ways they might be able to win the next ODI Series.
1. The team is confident
Following a recent win at the first warm-up match in Mumbai, the England team will be feeling confident. Sam Billings' 93 from 85 balls helped secure the team's three-wicket victory over India A, whilst MS Dhoni signed off his last game as captain of the Indian team with a brutal 68 off 40 balls leaving India 304-5 from their 50 overs.
2. Sam Billings is on great form
Sam Billings is showing great form. Having played in India in last year's IPL, his experience of the conditions really showed at the warm-up match. Coming in at three, he held on as wickets fell around him and he was quick to demonstrate the skills he had learnt from Rahul Dravid on playing in the subcontinent. Five men reached at least 40 including Jos Butler who hit 46 off 38 and Liam Dawson 41 off 47, but it was Sam Billings who played the crucial knock, hitting eight boundaries before being bowled, seven shy of a deserved century, by Hardik Pandya.
3. England are playing great cricket
England have been playing well in the past few months displaying some good ODI cricket wins despite a few bad losses to Pakistan. Players such as Jason Roy, Alex Hales and Joe Root have been very dominant on England soil and with additions such as James Anderson and Stuart Broad they are swiftly becoming a force to be reckoned with and the team to beat.
4. England are good at ODI's
England have improved considerably in the shorter formats of the game, especially the ODI’s. In August, England broke the current ODI record at Trent Bridge against Pakistan, posting the highest ever one-day international total and beating their opponents by 169 runs to secure a series victory. Alex Hales struck a record 171 and Jos Buttler made England's fastest ever 50 from 22 balls as England hit 444-3.
5. India have a new Captain
Kohli now has the challenge of juggling the tricky position of being India's No.3 batsman and captain too. This means he now has to be fully switched on for the full length of an ODI, and because he is a relatively intense player unlike his more laid-back predecessor Dhoni, he may find his new role slightly taxing. In addition, the Indian team might feel slightly unsettled during this current period of change which could affect game performance.
How do you think England will do in the new One Day International Series?