Former England all-rounder Ravi Bopara believes India’s batters are showing signs of discomfort against the short ball on English pitches after the visitors were bowled out for 233 in the second ODI against England at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, on Thursday.
England’s pace attack dominated the innings, claiming nine wickets collectively as several Indian batters struggled to cope with short-pitched deliveries.
“India Are a Little Bit Worried About the Short Ball”
Speaking to Sky Sports during the mid-innings break, Bopara said repeated dismissals to the short ball appeared to have created uncertainty within the Indian dressing room.
“It’s almost like every time an Indian batsman falls to the short ball, a signal is sent to the dressing room, and they get worried about the short ball.”
He added that English conditions make short-pitched bowling even more challenging.
“You get a lot of indifference in pace and bounce on English wickets. It just looks like India are a little bit worried about the short ball at the moment.”
Eoin Morgan Praises England’s Tactical Discipline
Former England captain Eoin Morgan credited the hosts for executing their plans effectively during the middle overs, restricting India’s scoring opportunities while forcing mistakes.
“Throughout the middle phase of the game, England took wickets, and India’s runs flowed.”
He said England’s bowlers consistently targeted areas that tempted Indian batters into risky cross-batted shots.
“But England were more accurate with how they bowled in the second powerplay. They enticed India into cross-batted shots, which stunted them and allowed England to take and create more opportunities.”
Morgan Surprised by Virat Kohli’s Dismissal
Morgan also expressed surprise at Virat Kohli’s dismissal after the former India captain scored 65, saying it was unusual to see him fail to convert a strong start into a match-defining innings.
“All of us had the house on for Kohli producing something special. We’re all homeless now!”
He praised Kohli’s fluent start before acknowledging England’s role in dismissing him.
“He looked highly tuned, Virat Kohli in the form of his life from the get-go. He walked out with a huge amount of intent; his footwork was crisp, and he made things look easy.”
“It was classic Kohli, accumulating a run-a-ball, even when partnerships slowed. For him to get out at 65 is an anomaly. We’ve seen how good he is throughout his career, converting starts into hundreds. He normally capitalises and punishes the opposition, but not today, and that’s to England’s credit.”
Michael Atherton Highlights Gus Atkinson’s Impact
Former England skipper Michael Atherton said the inclusion of Gus Atkinson gave England captain Harry Brook greater flexibility with his bowling changes.
“England should be confident chasing this down. We’ll see if they can in the second half of this game, but the first has gone very well.”
Atherton credited Atkinson for making an immediate impact by dismissing two key Indian batters.
“Harry Brook was able to bowl Jofra Archer out because he had more cover with the extra seamer, with Gus Atkinson the big difference. Atkinson changed the balance of the side and claimed the big wickets of Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer.”
Deep Dasgupta Says India Fell 30–40 Runs Short
Former India wicketkeeper-batter Deep Dasgupta felt India’s middle-order collapse prevented the team from posting a competitive total.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, Dasgupta said India had looked set for a much bigger score before losing momentum.
“The first innings was disappointing — some poor batting from India. Looking at the pitch, India will be looking to get some early wickets, get into that middle order, and try to make it a game.”
He added:
“I think they are 30 or 40 runs short. The way India was batting, we were looking at 300. There is something for the bowlers on this surface, so who knows.”
With England needing 234 runs for victory, the hosts entered the chase with momentum after an impressive all-round bowling performance.