England inflicted more misery on India as Craig Kieswetter’s quick-fire 51 inspired a three-wicket win over the beleaguered tourists in the third one-day international here at The Oval on Friday. Thanks to Kieswetter’s big hitting and a nerveless 40 from Ravi Bopara, England reached their Duckworth-Lewis target of 218 in 43 overs with seven balls to spare and now have an unassailable 2-0 le.
It took just four balls for James Anderson to give England the perfect start after Cook put the world champions in as Ajinkya Rahane edged to Jonathan Trott at first slip. India needed Rahul Dravid to steady the ship but the 38-year-old’s ageing legs let him down as he was brilliantly run out by Anderson in the sixth over after rashly attempting a quick single. Anderson soon added Parthiv Patel to his list of scalps and India’s struggles continued when Virat Kohli became the fourth man to go, caught behind off Anderson with the score on 25.
Suresh Raina fell when he mistimed a wild slog off Broad, edging to wicketkeeper Kieswetter to put India deep in trouble at 58-5. But, to the relief of the massed ranks of Indian supporters, Dhoni made his 39th one-day 50 in 69 balls and, aided by some overly defensive field settings from Cook, he was able to rebuild India’s innings. Ravindra Jadeja and Dhoni put on 112 before the skipper skied a mistimed drive to Cook off Tim Bresnan. Despite that blow, a 59-run partnership between Jadeja, who finished with 78 from 89 balls, and Ravichandran Ashwin ensured India made a respectable score.
But England openers Cook and Kieswetter, who hit three big sixes, took the hosts past 50 without loss by the ninth over. Munaf Patel broke the partnership when he trapped Cook lbw for 23 with the score on 63. Kieswetter brought up his 50 in 41 balls, yet he perished moments later as Jadeja found some spin to knock out his middle stump. India’s spinners suddenly posed a serious threat and England were reduced to 89-3 after Ashwin bowled Trott. The hosts added six more runs before rain stopped play for an hour, leaving England with a new Duckworth-Lewis target of 218.
Ian Bell didn’t help England’s cause when he was run out for 23 by Dhoni after he started for a single and turned back too late. Youngster Ben Stokes showed his lack of experience as he was bowled round his legs by Ashwin and England were wobbling at 133-5. Fortunately for England, Bresnan and Bopara — staking his claim for a permanent place in the team with 40 in 41 balls — turned the tide with a crucial 60-run stand for the sixth wicket. Jadeja returned to dismiss Bresnan and Ashwin bowled Bopara, but Stuart Broad and Graeme Swann were able to see England home.
