A great start to the year for India in T20 cricket. India completely outplayed England to lead the 5 match T20i series by 1-0. Every department played their role very well and got a significant victory.
Looking at the pitch before the toss it was a bit dry but the amount of dew expected made the pitch look like perfect for batting. India won the toss and choose to bowl first with only 1 frontline pacer and 3 all rounders. It was a brave call to go with only 2 pacers (including Pandya) especially looking at the venue where dew was expected. Yes, we had Nitish as 3rd pacer but we didn't used him. Winning the toss was of great importance and it proved to be correct at the end of the match.
Arshdeep started by getting Phil Salt early, it was a masterclass by Arshdeep. He bowled 1st ball outswing, 2nd inswing (batter found it easier and hit it straight to Axar at point), the batter was expecting a outswing as Salt was not comfortable playing it but Arshdeep bluffed and bowled a more straighter line and Salt got a top edge. A proper setup by Arshdeep. Then he got rid of Duckett in the very next over. I am interested to see how he bowls in the ODI format, especially in the middle overs. He proved in the T20 WC final that he can be effective in the middle overs too.
After powerplay it was Varun who took the charge in his hand and got rid of Harry Brook and Livingston in the same over. Later he got set buttler out. He proving his spot in the team now by consistently performing in the T20 side. Axar's first over was a bit expensive but after coming back into attack he improved and took 2 wickets. Contributions of Arshdeep, Varun and Axar helped India to restrict England at 132.
Chasing a small target India started off well. Samson's vulnerability against the short balls was exposed by the English bowlers. Both Samson and Abhishek are looking not so good while playing short pitch deliveries, this will make them struggle throughout the series. Abhishek scored 79 runs off just 34 balls which helped India to get a comfortable win by 7 wickets and in just 13th over of the match.
A dominating start by Indian players gave a message to England team that this young generation of Indian team can't be taken lightly, and we have got a lot of potential. Now, the 2nd T20I will be interesting especially if it is a typical Chennai pitch which will offer more spin.
