India look for improved show in 2nd ODI

Hosts seek a win after narrow loss in opener.

Still recuperating from their nine-run defeat in the first One-Day International (ODI), India need to overcome their struggles in their batting order and frailties in their bowling attack as they face England in the second one-day today. 

With the home team under pressure, nothing seems to be going right for MS Dhoni and his men as they lost a three-match series against Pakistan and started their series with England on the wrong foot. Considering a repetitive failure with the top order batsmen, the team management may think about bringing in Cheteswar Pujara even though Dhoni has not been keen to tamper with the composition of the team as yet.

Meanwhile, England captain Alastair Cook has warned his spinners to not be complacent against the hosts even after their victory.

“In the Test series, we bowled very well,” said Cook. “Monty and Swanny proved what quality bowlers they are and in that first one-dayer we had Tredders, who has been doing well for years. However, let’s not get too carried away.”

Published in The Express Tribune, January 15^th, 2013.