England v India ODI Tip: India

England are top of the world in the test rankings, they are even T20 World Champions but when it comes to One Day Internationals they are distinctly ordinary. At 10/11 favourites most bookmakers have price England up on their Test series dominance but the ODI series is best judged in isolation.

India are the reigning world champions and ranked third in the ICC ODI ratings, compared to England’s more modest fifth place. Last time the teams met, India won the series 5-0 and although the personnel and conditions are different, the tourists are the better team.

ODI Record

Looking at the front six, the statistics perfectly illustrate the problem. England just do not have the destructive batsmen. The modern 50-over game is about scoring quickly and scoring big.

Looking down the line-ups India have four batsman with strike rates over 80, England have only two. Without Kevin Pietersen the hosts are severely weakened in that department. In an era where bat dominates ball, he is a big miss.

I concede that Alastair Cook has better bowlers at his disposal, but in the shortened format of the game his batsman will leave him handicapped. Back India to finish their tour on a high by winning the ODI Series.