The odd loss in the final ODI notwithstanding, India is expected to hold an edge as the visitors seek to bring the curtains down on what has been a mixed tour with a victory in the only T20 International against England here on Sunday.
After struggling to get going in the five-day format, the inclusion of fresh legs such as Suresh Raina for the ODIs gave the team the much needed impetus.
Young batsmen such as Ajinkya Rahane, Shikhar Dhawan too fared better in the blue jersey though Virat Kohli’s woeful run of form remains a major cause for concern.
Though they flopped in the final ODI, both Rahane and Dhawan had good outings in the penultimate game, with the former notching up a smashing century.
Raina has been good on and off while Ambati Rayudu (53) and Jadeja (87) showed their ability with the willow on the Headingley wicket.
As far as bowling is concerned, the Indians enjoyed greater success in the ODIs, with Mohammad Shami managing to impress even captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni with his effort in the death overs on Friday.
From England’s point of view, Joe Root, who scored an ODI ton, will look to continue in similar fashion having got a fair idea of how to handle the Indian attack. The hosts have named uncapped Surrey batsman Jason Roy in their 14-man squad and it will be interesting to see if he is played or not.
The teams (from):India: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (captain), Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, Stuart Binny, Sanju Samson Viswanadh, R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Karn Sharma, Mohit Sharma, Umesh Yadav, Mohammad Shami, Dhawal Kulkarni and Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
England: Eoin Morgan (captain), Moeen Ali, Ravi Bopara, Tim Bresnan, Jos Buttler, Steven Finn, Harry Gurney, Alex Hales, Chris Jordan, Joe Root, Jason Roy, James Taylor, James Tredwell and Chris Woakes.
