Women's ODI Series Decider: India vs England Analysis

Chester-le-Street (UK), July 21 (PTI) — After a lackluster performance marred by poor shot selection in challenging conditions at Lord's, India faces a challenging task as they take on a resurgent England in the decisive third Women's ODI on Tuesday.

India showcased an impressive batting display to clinch victory by four wickets in the opening match. However, they faltered in the rain-affected game in London last Saturday, leaving the three-match series balanced at 1-1 as they head into the final ODI.

This series carries added importance with the Women's World Cup scheduled to commence in two-months’ time. The prestigious 50-over tournament is set to start on September 30, with matches to be held across cities in Sri Lanka and India.

India entered the second game with a slight advantage, backed by their comprehensive strengths and current form of several key players. Yet, their ambitions were derailed by flawed shot selection and difficulty adapting to the conditions, posting only 143 for eight in a reduced 29-overs-a-side game.

The bowlers also faltered as England's top-order batters completed an easy chase with ample overs remaining.

Heading into the series decider, India now finds itself contemplating several aspects of their game.

Aside from vice-captain Smriti Mandhana and Deepti Sharma, the Indian batters struggled against England’s bowling unit, especially the spin trio comprising of Sophie Ecclestone, Em Arlott, and Linsey Smith at Lord's. High hopes rest on a stronger performance against spin in Chester-le-Street.

India’s batting depth offers some hope, but success in both the game and series will likely require significant contributions from the likes of Mandhana, captain Harmanpreet Kaur, Jemimah Rodrigues, Pratika Rawal, and Harleen Deol, supported by Richa Ghosh and Deepti Sharma lower down the order.

The Indian team will also seek early breakthroughs from their pacers to help set the stage for their spinners.

On the other hand, England enters this match with renewed confidence, bolstered by their bowlers' performance. Sophie Ecclestone and Em Arlott aim to replicate their bowling successes.

Batsmen such as Amy Jones, Tammy Beaumont, and captain Nat Sciver-Brunt will also be looking to make substantial contributions to their team’s efforts.

Adding to the contest is a hint of tension lingering from the second game. A controversial moment occurred when Harmanpreet's side appealed for an obstruction of the field by Tammy Beaumont after Jemimah's throw towards the stumps. However, the third umpire ruled not out, leaving the visiting camp visibly discontented.

India squad: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana (vc), Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (wk), Yastika Bhatia (wk), Tejal Hasabnis, Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Sree Charani, Shuchi Upadhyay, Amanjot Kaur, Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Gaud, Sayali Satghare.

England squad: Nat Sciver-Brunt (c), Em Arlott, Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Alice Capsey, Kate Cross, Alice Davidson-Richards, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Amy Jones, Emma Lamb, Linsey Smith.

Match starts at 5:30 pm IST.

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