England line up second-string side, but are still strong
- India come off the back of a series win against Ireland
- India to have two different squads for this series
India survived a scare against Ireland and then won two warm-up games against Derbyshire and Northamptonshire, as they fine tuned their preparations for this England series. You can back India at 1.54 to win the first match of the series.
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England will be led by Jos Buttler after the recent retirement of Eoin Morgan. England, however, don’t have a full-strength team, but have some interesting players who have had good runs in the T20 Blast. They have odds of 2.38 to win this game.
England have home advantage and recent form
There’s no doubting England’s credentials in this format. Unlike the Test team that’s still revamping, the T20I depth is incredible and they have some phenomenal batting strength. They have also won four of the six T20Is against India at home with the overall record between these sides fairly even.
Our pick: India have the momentum in their favour and are a well-oiled unit, albeit without the big stars. Back India at 1.54 to win this one!
All eyes will be on how India’s second-string members go again with Hardik Pandya impressive as a leader in Ireland. England too are in transition with the likes of Harry Brook and Richard Gleeson adding a fresh look to the squad.
Keep an eye on…
Sanju Samson: Samson made a duck in the last warm-up match, and is out of the T20 squad after this first game with the second and third matches having a different team. Essentially, this is Samson’s last chance to impress ahead of the T20 World Cup.
Jos Buttler: Fresh of a record hundred in Netherlands in ODIs, Buttler also played a bit of the T20 Blast and is entirely focused on becoming a top tier T20 batter. He already is one, but without the big stars, the responsibility multiplies.
TIP: Yuzvendra Chahal is in great form and will be tasked with silencing England’s big hitters. Back Yuzvendra Chahal at 4.50 to be best match bowler for India!
