India vs England 2020-21, 2nd ODI preview: India aims to seal series with England under pressure

India and England are into the final stage of the latter's ongoing tour, as they are fighting out in a three-game One-Day International series. While India currently leads the series 1-0, the second match sounds promising as England would look to bounce back, with India eyeing a series win.

After an exciting outing in the opening game, India and England would lock horns in the second One-Day International at the MCA Stadium in Pune on Friday. The match would be of utmost importance for the visitor, as it has to make a come back to stay alive, while the host eyes a series win.

The opening ODI was interesting, as England looked well on course for a historic win, only to screw it up, as India scripted a resounding comeback with the ball. While it remains to be seen of the second game produces the same thrill, we present the review for the match.

Current form
Although both sides are coming off series-losing performances, India has gained the upper hand and the momentum is with the host. Furthermore, having the home advantage, India is the favourite here. However, England, being the reigning world champion and the number one ODI side, can spring in a surprise and make a come back at any point.

Team composition and combination
India has a slightly heavy batting side since it is not precisely strong as compared to its bowling. Nonetheless, the batsmen showed a great display of strength, posting a challenging total of more than 300, while the bowlers did their part, as usual, to help India draw first blood.

As for England, it too possesses more batsmen. Although its top-order fired in the last game, it was the middle-order that failed. Also, its bowlers struggled in the closing stages as the Indian batsmen smacked them all over the park. While England's combination appears to be correct, it needs to be consistent and more responsible.

Injury concerns
As far as injuries are concerned, India has been dealt with a major one, as middle-order batsman Shreyas Iyer has been ruled out with a partially dislocated shoulder. Also, senior opener Rohit Sharma has a bruised elbow but should be good to go. For England, while pacer Jofra Archer remains unavailable, skipper Eoin Morgan has an injured thumb, and wicketkeeper-batsman Sam Billings has hurt his collarbone.

Head-to-head
Considering the head-on clashes, both have played 101 ODIs, with India winning 54 and England winning 42. In India, both have played 49 games, with India having 32 wins and England having 16. As for Pune, there have been two games between the two here, with India being victorious on each occasion.

Weather and pitch report
Pune would be sunny and hot on Friday, with the temperature likely to be around 38 degrees. As for the track, it tends to assist spinners as the game progresses. Nonetheless, the spinners were ineffective on Tuesday. However, being a good wicket to bat initially, a score around 280-300 would be competitive.

Probable XI
India: Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli (c), Rishabh Pant (wk), KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Shardul Thakur, Yuzvendra Chahal and Prasidh Krishna.
England: Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes, Eoin Morgan (c), 5 Jos Buttler (wk), Sam Billings/Liam Livingstone, Moeen Ali, Sam Curran, Tom Curran, Adil Rashid and Mark Wood/Reece Topley.

Fantasy XI
Batsmen: Kohli, Dhawan, Roy and Bairstow- Dhawan and Roy are sure to give the perfect start as openers, as has been the case. Meanwhile, Kohli can consolidate at number three, while Bairstow can do the same in the middle-order, with both showing their prowess in the last game.
Wicketkeeper: Rahul- The only man in the department capable of delivering is Rahul, who bounced back to form in the last game. Although Buttler, too, could have been an ideal fit, his inconsistency costs him his place.
All-rounders: Krunal and Stokes- While Stokes is a no-brainer here, Krunal made the perfect debut in the last game. Although he is expected to contribute with the bat again, further enrichment with the ball would be an added advantage.
Bowlers: Bhuvneshwar, Krishna, Thakur and Wood- Among the bowlers, we have an all-round pace attack, as all the four men were prolific in the last game. Also, with the spinners hardly generating any turn in the previous game, it is unlikely that the track would behave any different.

Match details
Date and day: March 26, 2021 (Friday)
Venue: MCA Stadium, Pune
Time: 1.30 PM (IST)
Where to watch (TV): Star Sports 1 and Star Sports 1 Hindi (Also available in HD, along with regional languages)
Where to watch (Online): Hotstar