England v India: Hales’ runs won’t help hosts win opening ODI
Published:Having been humiliated in two three-day thrashings by England in the Test series, the switch from red-ball cricket to white will bring an air of confidence back to the touring Indian party.
With five ODI matches to play to restore some credibility back into their trip, India head to Bristol for the first game of the series as our pick for victory.
Below is the reason why, along with two other bets for the encounter:
India to win – 11/10
The visitors have won five consecutive ODI’s on English soil heading into this match, all of which came during the ICC Champions Trophy tournament hosted on these shores in 2013.
England are far less at ease with their 50-over strategy than they are with their re-ruddered Test game and no other side has lost more times in the format than Alastair Cook’s men have in the last two years.
Alex Hales to score over 27.5 runs – 5/6
Having had the entire cricketing country clamouring for his inclusion in this format for what seems an age, Hales will finally be given his chance in Bristol.
Although his last England debut – a T20 two-ball duck – didn’t go too well, the Nottinghamshire aggressor is in fine fettle, scoring a century in each of his last three appearances in all competitions, two of which were in 50-over cricket.
Shikhar Dhawan not to score 50 – 1/3
Dhawan enjoyed a successful opening partnership with Rohit Sharma last time he played ODI cricket in this country, averaging 76 for the first wicket during the Champions Trophy.
However, his experiences during the Test series will have wiped all confidence from his gait (his top score in 10 innings on this tour is 60* against Leicestershire) and another lean time is expected.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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