MS, middle-order under the scanner

Leeds, July 16 

Following an uncharacteristically slow 59-ball 37 in the second ODI at Lord’s, where he was jeered by Indian fans, MS Dhoni must be under some pressure going into the deciding ODI here tomorrow. The team, though, is standing steadfastly behind the veteran match-winner. After skipper Virat Kohli defended Dhoni the other day, India’s assistant coach Sanjay Bangar threw his weight behind Dhoni today. “He (Dhoni) was hoping someone would bat with him. We were hoping for him to stay there till the 40th over and then take on the bowlers,” said Bangar.  “But every time he looked to do that, we lost wickets. First Raina got out, and then Hardik (Pandya), and then there was no support for him to do the usual stuff he does.” 

Notwithstanding the envy it evokes among the opposing teams, Bangar said India’s batting was still a work in progress, with the middle-order still not settled.

“The way our top-order is batting, the middle-order hasn’t got the opportunities. Mind you, not all of them are playing all the formats, so you have to factor in that as well,” said Bangar. “Coming straight to international cricket and doing the sort of things you are expected to do in this format is tough, so continuity factor also plays a part.” 

The three-match series is locked at 1-1 after India won the first ODI by eight wickets, and England won the second by 86 runs.  In the second ODI, KL Rahul failed to get going, and that might force India to have a rethink about their middle-order for the decider. 

A key concern for India will be the availability of Bhuvneshwar Kumar. He was seen bowling at full tilt today during the optional practice session today. He will, however, undergo a fitness test before the game.

“He’s a quality bowler. We’ve obviously been missing our two frontline bowlers in the ODI format. However, it also provides us an opportunity to test our bench strength ahead of the World Cup,” Bangar said. — PTI 

Roy suffers finger injury, Billings called in

Wicketkeeper-batsman Sam Billings has been called up to the England ODI squad as cover for opener Jason Roy for the third ODI against India here tomorrow.   Roy suffered a laceration to his right hand’s little finger during practice on Monday. He will undergo a fitness test before the game.  Batsman James Vince is also in the squad as cover, previously called in to replace Dawid Malan.