Shreyas Iyer demonstrated his innate class yet again, giving a cavalier half-century in the first ODI between India and England in Nagpur. He was originally not to feature in the starting XI, but was brought in after Virat Kohli had already hurt his knee the night before. He seized the opportunity with both hands, hitting 59 runs off 36 balls, guiding India in achieving the target of 249 with more than 11 overs to spare. Iyer also displayed that he had worked hard on some of the weak areas in his game, especially against the short-ball threat.
For a long time, Shreyas’s play against the short ball has been marked as his most significant flaw in his game. However, on this occasion, Iyer met the challenge with gallantry.
Facing England fast-bowler Jofra Archer in the seventh over, Iyer hurled two successive sixes, using footwork and timing to perfect effect.
The fifth ball was a well-pitched delivery, above the waist. Iyer got full connection on it, and ironically swung it over mid-wicket for a six. The very next ball, again pitched higher, yielded yet another six as Iyer timed it exquisitely over third man.
Having entered the crease with skipper Rohit Sharma out for 20-19, Iyer scored runs for his team before the IPL-winning captain obliterated the opposition bowlers all around the park.
He had a staid opening partnership of 94 with Shubman Gill who made 87.
Iyer’s blitz included nine boundaries and two sixes as he handed India a 1-0 lead in this three-match series.
After Iyer’s dismissal, all-rounder Axar Patel was sent up the order and promptly delivered with the bat, scoring a half-century of his own.
Earlier, a comprehensive bowling performance saw India bundle out England for 248. Debutant Harshit Rana and veteran Ravindra Jadeja picked up three wickets each for the men in blue.
