Nagpur (Maharashtra) [India]: Following England’s four-wicket loss to India in the first ODI at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, skipper Jos Buttler admitted that his team did not meet expectations in the match.
Despite a strong start in the powerplay, England lost crucial wickets in quick succession, which derailed their momentum. Buttler acknowledged that an additional 40-50 runs would have been crucial in setting up a more competitive total.
Buttler’s Post-Match Analysis
Speaking at the post-match presentation, Buttler shared his disappointment:
“Disappointed not to win the game. Thought we got off to a fantastic start in the powerplay. Openers got off to a great start, but losing four wickets was frustrating. Extra 40-50 runs would have been crucial.”
Regarding England’s batting collapse, he added:
“[Losing wickets in clusters] is not how we want to play. We want to put the opposition under pressure and keep the momentum.”
Buttler also praised Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer’s match-winning partnership, admitting that England failed to break their stand when the game was in the balance.
“Guys started well, they were 20 for 2. At that point, the game was in the balance. If we could have found a way to take a wicket there, but Gill and Iyer put on a good partnership. We need to play better for longer.”
Match Recap: India vs England, 1st ODI
England’s Innings
- England won the toss and opted to bat first.
- Phil Salt (43 off 26) and Ben Duckett (32 off 29) provided an explosive 75-run opening stand.
- The visitors then collapsed to 111/4, with Joe Root (19 off 31) also falling cheaply.
- Skipper Jos Buttler (52 off 67) and Jacob Bethell (51 off 64) helped England rebuild with a 59-run stand.
- A late cameo from Jofra Archer (21 off 18)* pushed England to 248 all out in 47.4 overs.
- Top Indian bowlers:
- Ravindra Jadeja (3/26)
- Harshit Rana (3/53)
- Axar Patel, Mohammed Shami, and Kuldeep Yadav (1 wicket each)
India’s Run Chase
- Shubman Gill (87 off 96) and Shreyas Iyer (59 off 36) played match-winning knocks.
- Axar Patel (52 off 47) provided crucial support in the middle order.
- Saqib Mahmood and Adil Rashid were England’s best bowlers, taking two wickets each.
- India won by four wickets, taking a 1-0 lead in the series.
What’s Next?
The Men in Blue will face England in the second ODI on Sunday in Cuttack. England will be eager to bounce back, while India will aim to seal the series.