Kapil Dev: Former India captain Kapil Dev believes England hold a slight edge over India heading into the series-deciding third ODI at Lord's on Sunday, saying the hosts enjoy the advantage of familiar conditions while India's biggest challenge has been finding the right team rhythm<\/p>\r\n\r\n
With the three-match series level at 1-1, the iconic Lord's will host a winner-takes-all contest after India claimed the opening ODI at Edgbaston before England bounced back with a four-wicket victory in Cardiff, powered by Joe Root's unbeaten 99.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Speaking to IANS, the 1983 World Cup-winning captain described the series decider as an evenly balanced contest but gave England a slight edge because of home conditions. He also felt India's inability to gel as a settled unit has been the main reason behind their T20I series defeat and the ODI series remaining undecided until the final match.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"I think both teams are 50-50 at the moment. Since England are playing at home, you can say they have a slight edge, maybe 51 percent," Kapil told IANS.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"Looking at the way our team has performed in the T20Is and so far in the ODI series, I don't think the team has gelled completely yet. If this Indian side starts clicking as a unit, I would even give them a 60 percent chance," he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
India head into the decider with positives despite the defeat in Cardiff. Virat Kohli returned to form with a fluent 65, while Jasprit Bumrah remains the leader of the bowling attack. However, Rohit Sharma will be looking for a significant contribution after an inconsistent run with the bat.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
England, meanwhile, will once again rely heavily on Root, who has continued his remarkable consistency in ODI cricket and will be aiming to guide the hosts to another home series triumph.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
A victory at Lord's would also help India end a 22-year wait for an ODI win at the iconic venue and secure their eighth bilateral ODI series win over England since 2010.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
England, meanwhile, will once again rely heavily on Root, who has continued his remarkable consistency in ODI cricket and will be aiming to guide the hosts to another home series triumph.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"That is up to the cricket board and the selection committee to decide. I think he has done a fairly good job, and I wish him all the best," Kapil said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n