India failed to put up a show and lost to hosts England by 31 runs to extend their wait for a semis berth in the ongoing world cup. Earlier in the game, England reached 337/7 at the end of 50 overs courtesy Jonny Bairstow’s impressive innings of 111 runs, well complimented by Jason Roy(66), Ben Stokes(79).
Chasing a mammoth target, India lost KL Rahul on duck which brought Virat Kohli to the crease. The world number one and world number two ranked batsman in ODIs put up a 138 run stand to give a ray of hope to India, Pakistani, Bangladeshi and Sri Lankan fans. The Indian skipper failed to convert his half century into hundred and fell to Liam Plunkett on 66.
Rishabh Pant and Rohit Sharma added 52 runs together before the latter batsman got out to put India in a tough situation. The run rate continued to soar up and the English bowlers bowled tight lines to deny India a chance of chasing a mammoth target.
MS Dhoni failed to show intent in the death overs which raised few eyebrows as India fell short by 31 runs to keep England in the race for the semi-finals. If the Eoin Morgan side manage to win their next game against New Zealand then they will sail into the semi-finals.
Vijay Shankar out of the world cup
Virat Kohli confirmed at the toss against England that Vijay Shankar will be out from the playing XI due to a toe niggle and will be replaced by Rishabh Pant. Many doubted the injury as Shankar was seen carrying the drinks for the team during the game. However, the injury has proved to a serious one and he has been ruled out of the world cup. Shankar scored 58 runs for India in three innings and picked two crucial wickets in the game against Pakistan.
As per reports, the Tamil Nadu all-rounder sustained a non-displaced fracture in the left big toe and will take at least 3 weeks to recover. The world cup has been injury prone for India who have allready lost Shikhar Dhawan due to finger injury. Bhuvneshwar Kumar sustained a hamstring issue in the game against Pakistan on 16th June and he missed two games since then before recovering for the game against West Indies. However, the impressive form of Mohammed Shami forced the captain to stick with him and bench Bhuvneshwar.
Karnataka batsman Mayank Agarwal named as replacement
Shankar will be replaced by Karnataka opener Mayank Agarwal in the team. The team management has requested ICC to include Agarwal in the team which may strengthen their ordinary looking middle order as KL Rahul can now take the much debated number four slot in the team while Agarwal can open the batting alongside Rohit Sharma.
Agarwal may not be available for the game against Bangladesh as its less than 24 hours to the clash but he will be available for selection in the game against Sri Lanka.
