Event of the Day: India versus England
Our event of the day is the opening one-day International match between India and England at Trent Bridge in Nottingham. This match marks the second part of India’s current tour of England. In the first leg, India handed England a 2-1 defeat in the T20 series. The English will be keen to redeem themselves by claiming victory in the first game of the three match ODI series. They should be confident heading into the series, as they are currently ranked number one in the ODI format. India is no slouch however, they sit right behind at number two in the world. If India could somehow manage a 3-0 win in this series over England, they could claim the top spot. Since 2016 no squad has scored more runs than England in the 50-over format. They are also the only team to hold a 100+ strike rate during that period. It is no secret that the England side is known for it’s batting. The squad is carried by heavy hitters such as Jonny Bairstow, Eoin Morgan, Alex Hales, Jos Buttler and Jason Roy. They will also benefit from the return of all-rounder Ben Stokes.
England is currently experiencing a heat wave that has undoubtedly affected cricket grounds across the country. The drier conditions and firm grounds favour India, as they are used to this sort of climate back home. It will be fascinating to see how the much-lauded English batsmen can handle India’s wrist spinners in these conditions. Fortunately for England, the number one ranked bowler in the world, Jasprit Bumrah, will not be playing for India. His quick release and pace on the ball will be missed. India will hope the void can be filled effectively by their excellent bowlers, left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav and leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahul. Today’s match should be a cracking opener between the top two ranked squads and should set the tone for an entertaining ODI series.
Honourable mentions around the globe go to Day 10 of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis Club in London. Fans have been spoiled once again this year with fantastic back and forth action featuring the sports elite. The women’s semi-finals will take place today with Serena Williams up against Julia Gorgës and Jeļena Ostapenko playing Angelique Kerber. On the European Tour, the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open begins at Gullane Golf Club. The PGA Tour has Day 1 of the John Deere Open in Silvis, Illinois. Meanwhile the LPGA Marathon Classic opens up at Highland Meadows Golf Club in Sylvania, Ohio. In cycling, it is stage 6 of the Tour de France from Brest to Mûr-de-Bretagne. Horse racing is on at Newmarket Racecourse as the 2018 Moet & Chandon July Festival kicks off with Ladies Day. The Adelaide Crows host the Geelong Cats in an Australian Football League clash at the Adelaide Oval. Elsewhere in cricket, the South Africa Tour of Sri Lanka begins as the two teams take part in the first test in a two test series, at Galle international Stadium.
Whatever you’re watching, enjoy!
Photos by England Cricket