Sony Sports Network: India have the opportunity to wrap up the three-match ODI series when they face England in the second match at Sophia Gardens on Thursday, with confidence running high after a commanding victory in the opener. England, meanwhile, find themselves under pressure to produce an immediate response or risk surrendering the series before the teams head to Lord's for the finale.
The visitors struck first at Edgbaston through a complete team performance. Axar Patel starred with both disciplines, dismantling England's lower order with four wickets before returning to anchor the chase with an unbeaten half-century. Washington Sundar complemented him perfectly with his maiden ODI fifty, while captain Shubman Gill produced another assured innings at the top before retiring hurt after making 80.
The only concern for India emerging from Birmingham surrounded Gill's physical condition. The skipper was forced off the field late in his innings after suffering severe cramps, but he later clarified that dehydration and the demanding conditions were responsible and insisted he would be available for the Cardiff fixture. His presence is particularly significant, given the authority he has shown as both an opener and a captain in recent months.
