England's Resilience Shines Through in ODI Against India

In a thrilling opening ODI, England's Joe Root and Liam Dawson showcased remarkable resilience, forming a crucial partnership that led to a total of 258 runs against India. Despite a shaky start, the duo's efforts turned the tide, providing a defendable score for their bowlers. Root's strategic play and Dawson's career-best performance were pivotal in this match. As the Indian pace attack, led by Bumrah, posed challenges, England's grit shone through, setting the stage for an exciting contest. Read on to explore the highlights of this gripping encounter.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 14, 2026, 20:19 IST

England's Gritty Performance in Opening ODI

In a determined display, seasoned batsman Joe Root and the spirited Liam Dawson forged a crucial seventh-wicket partnership, amassing 121 runs, which helped England reach a commendable total of 258 in their first ODI against India. This performance came despite the Indian pace attack causing significant trouble on Tuesday.

After starting strong at 61 without loss, England faced a dramatic collapse, finding themselves at 107 for 6 by the end of the 22nd over, leaving little hope for recovery.

Root, scoring a run-a-ball 76, alongside Dawson, who achieved a career-best 68 off 83 deliveries, managed to stabilize the innings, setting a defendable target for their bowlers.

Root strategically played the field, waiting for Jasprit Bumrah to finish his initial spells before targeting Axar Patel (4/62) and Prasidh Krishna as the pitch conditions improved.

One of the standout moments was Root's ramp shot off a Bumrah bouncer, contributing to his tally of six fours and a six.

Bumrah (1/31 in 9 overs) showcased his exceptional skills as the top Indian bowler, while young Gurnoor Brar (2/61 in 9 overs) and the often expensive Prasidh (2/50 in 10 overs) also took wickets despite conceding runs.

Axar Patel capitalized on the situation, dismantling the tail after the Root-Dawson partnership, achieving his best ODI figures.

Choosing to bat first on a pitch that offered bounce and carry, England aimed to capitalize on the conditions.

Returning from a six-week break for workload management, Bumrah quickly found his rhythm, delivering a first spell of 4-0-8-0, leaving Jacob Bethell (14 off 31 balls) and Ben Duckett (43 off 45 balls) struggling against the Indian ace.

Bumrah's ability to move the ball both ways, combined with extra bounce, created uncertainty among the batters, resulting in an impressive 36 dot balls during his spell.

Although the wickets column may not reflect it, Bumrah's impact was significant, a stark contrast to the Indian team's recent T20I series.

Prasidh maintained a steady presence at the other end until Duckett targeted Brar's opening over, which cost 17 runs.

Brar found his length in his third over, claiming two wickets in three deliveries. His initial two deliveries were slightly shorter, but he adjusted to a good length, resulting in Bethell being cramped for room and Duckett caught out.

Bumrah executed a remarkable catch at the third man boundary to dismiss Duckett.

In a swift turn of events, India seized control as Bumrah, in his second spell, bowled a delivery from back of length that surprised England's captain Harry Brook, leading to a catch for Rohit Sharma at first slip.

With Brar and Bumrah dismantling the top order, Prasidh joined in, quickly dismissing Jos Buttler and Sam Curran.

Buttler's leading edge and Curran's edge to KL Rahul behind the stumps seemed to signal an impending collapse for England, but Root and Dawson displayed remarkable resilience.