Event of the Day: England versus India

Our event of the day is the ODI between England and India at Headingley. With the series level at 1-1, today’s ODI is a crucial decider. Kuldeep Yadav sent wickets and records tumbling as India stormed to a devastating victory in the series opener. The bowler recorded the best ODI figures by a left-arm spinner, leaving England all out for 268. His six wickets were followed by a superb batting display from Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, as India won with eight wickets to spare. However, it was the English spinners on form two days later at Lord’s. A stellar bowling display from Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid led England to an impressive 86-run victory to level the series. This victory was set-up by Joe Root’s 12th ODI century that left India chasing a target of 322. The excellence of Ali and Rashid ensured they were unable to reach this target. Captain Eoin Morgan was praised for his decision making during the win, as he uncharacteristically opted to bat first. The decision paid dividends, with England benefiting from the better batting conditions. 

England opening batsman Jason Roy is a major doubt for the Headingley decider. A finger injury is likely to prevent him from adding to the 78 runs he has already scored during the series. With Alex Hales also side-lined, Hampshire’s James Vince and Kent’s Sam Billings have been called up as potential replacements. Meanwhile, India’s fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s inclusion will be subject to a fitness test. A win for either side would be a real statement of intent ahead of next year’s World Cup. With the series delicately poised at 1-1, a fantastic feast of cricket awaits as the two highest ranked sides in the world do battle.

Honourable mentions around the globe go to the MLB game between the American League All Stars and the National League All Stars at Nationals Park, Washington. The Midsummer Classic features the biggest names from Major League Baseball. With the result no longer determining home advantage in the World Series, it is purely pride being played for but is should be an enjoyable game. Qualifying for the greatest prize in club football continues across Europe with Champions League preliminary round fixtures. Ludogorets Razgrad take a dominant 7-0 lead into their match against Crusaders at Seaview in Belfast, whilst it’s all still to play for in Serbia, where it’s 0-0 between Red Star Belgrade and Spartaks Jūrmala. There are also three Europa League qualifying matches. Notably, Steven Gerrard’s Rangers travel to FK Shkupi in Macedonia. In tennis, ATP World Tour action comes from Newport, Bastad and Umag, with Day 2 of the Dell Technologies Hall of Fame Championships, the SkiStar Swedish Open and the Plava Laguna Croatia Open. On the women’s tour, WTA action can be found in Bucharest and Gstaad with the Bucharest Open and the Gstaad Championships. At Trent Bridge in Nottingham, Nottinghamshire and Durham play in the Natwest T20 Blast. Fresh from a day’s rest, the Tour de France resumes with a challenging mountain stage. Riders will clock up 158.5 kilometres on Stage 10 as they travel from Annecy to Le Grand-Bornand.

Whatever you’re watching, enjoy!

Fixture

Photos by England Cricket

See what else is happening in the world of sport

Fixture calendar