After a convincing defeat in the T20s, McCullum now has these three games to turn around England’s 50-over side before their Champions Trophy opener against Australia on 22 February.
England come into this contest on the back of three consecutive ODI series defeats and this latest loss was littered with familiar struggles – those which have dogged England’s 50-over cricket since they won the World Cup at Lord’s in 2019.
There was a collapse – Salt, Ben Duckett and the out-of-form Harry Brook fell in a flurry – before the loss of regular wickets, including the returning Joe Root for 19, meant they were unable to turn the tide.
They were bowled out for the 21st time in 44 ODI innings since the start of 2022.
When their turn to bowl came, Jofra Archer conceded only two runs and nicked off Yashasvi Jaiswal in his first three overs but his next two cost 23. Despite Rohit Sharma chipping Saqib Mahmood to mid-wicket for two, India took 71 from the first 10 overs.
From there, England’s bowling was too often wayward and rarely threatening. Shreyas Iyer capitalised to take 59 from 36 balls and a partnership of 108 between Gill and Axar Patel took India to the brink.
Axar was bowled by a fine leg-spinner by Adil Rashid with 28 runs needed, KL Rahul tamely chipped the leg-spinner a return catch and Gill’s mis-timed pull went to mid-on.
That only made the scoreline closer look closer than it should have. England were well beaten.
