India have recalled pace duo Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar for the remaining three games of the ongoing five-match series against Windies.
On the other hand, Mohammed Shami, who had returned to the ODI side for the first two games, has been dropped. Shami failed to make an impact in both the games. He picked up 2 wickets for 81 in the first game and one wicket in the second one.
Read More – It Was Very Difficult To Bowl In The Dew: Kuldeep Yadav
With Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar back in the attack, India will be hoping for an improved bowling show. The hosts conceded 320-plus totals in both the games with the pacers – Umesh Yadav and Shami rarely making an impact.
India, meanwhile, currently lead the series 1-0 after the second ODI on Wednesday ended in a thrilling tie. Batting first, the Men in Blue scored 321 for 6. Captain Virat Kohli once again starred with the bat, scoring 157 not out off just 129. Ambati Rayudu also played an important knock of 73.
Also Read – MS Dhoni Steps Out to Clear the Ropes With Ease
Asked to bowl first, Windies started the proceedings well. Kemar Roach sent back in-form Rohit Sharma for just 4 before Ashley Nurse accounted for Shikhar Dhawan to reduce India to 40 for 2.
However, Kohli once again bailed India out of trouble. He and Ambati Rayudu stitched together a stand of 139 runs to lay the foundation for a good total. Nurse ended the stand by dismissing Rayudu for 73. But while wickets kept on falling at regular intervals from one end, Kohli held firm from the other. In the end, he remained unbeaten on 157 to take India to a challenging total of 321 for 6.
Read More – Dwayne Bravo Announces Retirement From International Cricket
In reply, Windies were reeling at 78 for 3 at one stage before Shai Hope and Shimron Hetmyer shared a 143-run stand to revive the chase. Hetmyer was dismissed for 94 off just 64 balls while Hope remained till the end. With 5 runs needed off the last ball, he hit a four off Umesh Yadav to secure a deserved tie.
The third ODI will be played on October 27 in Pune.
Squad:
Virat Kohli(c), Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Ambati Rayudu, Manish Pandey, MS Dhoni, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar K Khaleel Ahmed, Lokesh Rahul, Umesh Yadav
Must Read – Faf du Plessis rubbishes reports of AB de Villiers’ comeback