So much was expected from England, but India is truly on top of their game, and with spin friendly pitches England had no chance. By the time Ashwin came to bowl, England were 3 down and Morgan and Root were on the backfoot. A spinner loves to bowl when the new ball bowlers have done the damage. England never really got going and the late flourish never came. Moeen Ali did leave an impact but that was simply not enough. After restricting England to an under par score India cantered home without any loss. Rahane gone only just before victory. Dhawan got an important innings, more importantly remaining unbeaten till the end, which should help his confidence and do a world of good to Team India. A settled opening pair is the best thing to happen for any top notch side. For England though, the problem starts from the top.
There has been a lot of clamor for Cook's place in the shorter version due to his scoring rate and his limited success of late. But England need not be able to look beyond Cook till the World Cup atleast. Firstly, there is no one pushing him for the top job. Morgan is struggling. Pietersen is out of favour. That leaves England with only one alternative - Stuart Broad. I am not a fan of Stuard Broad the Captain though. England need fresh thought. Secondly, Cook has had a prolific career over the years, and if he holds one end up, England do have a worthy plan to build the innings around him, Bell and Root while the stroke makers up the ante.
The worthy England captain in my view would have been Mr 'Swagger' Pietersen. He inspires awe around the world and is a matchwinner. He would walk into any limited overs side. Unfortunately for England, he is out of the gambit. With the present set of choices with England, they are doomed in the World cup. Changing the captain hence does not help.
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