England vs India 1st ODI: Easy win for India

The Indian cricket team tasted the sweet taste of victory after a long time when they defeated England rather easily in today's day-night encounter in Hyderabad, played on a slow pitch with variable bounce. In the process they also overcame the jinx associated with this ground in which all the 3 previous matches were lost by the home team. India scored 300, probably 50 too many for the pitch and won by 124 runs.

The match was set up nicely for India by Dhoni(m.o.m) and Raina. The pitch was tough for batting and this was India's first match under the new regulations. They took on the inexperienced English bowlers plundering 180 runs off the last 20 overs. The English bowlers missed a trick by bowling too full on a pitch where banging it short would help them exploit its dual nature.

The English batsmen predictably struggled against spin on a slow pitch. Ashwin and Jadeja took 3 wickets apiece. Jadeja, in his second coming, looks a much improved cricket, both as a batsman and a bowler. He can be the allrounder India has been looking for.

Umesh Yadav also impressed with his pace. His line left a lot to be desired, but he must be left alone than tampered with. We do not want another 120 kmph trundler bowling "line and length". Even bowlers like Lee and Steyn were erratic when they started out. Fast bowlers have to be given a long leash. Vinay was ordinary once again. Aaron seems to be the designated drinks boy. It is puzzling.

India will be pleased that they put up such a commanding performance with a depleted squad. England will come back hard at India and will be bolstered by the return of Ian Bell. Both sides will try out young players through the remainder of this series.