Mumbai: As an unbeaten Indian side face an unpredictable England side, Sunday’s clash at the Edgbaston will be a match that will be one of the most important of the tournament so far.
The match is a must win for hosts England who got dropped to fifth position after Pakistan beat Afghanistan to take the fourth position on the table. India on the other hand are on the verge of making it to the semi finals and a win today should do the job for the Men in Blue, who don orange today.
Here are key elements that will be seen in the game today-
Battle of Spinners
Irrespective of more wickets being taken by seamers at the tournament, it could be the spinners who take key wickets from each team when India faces England. The hosts feature Adil Rashid and Moeen Ali, who propelled the team to the top of ODI rankings.
India boast of Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav, who take care of slowing down batting in the middle overs while taking out regular wickets. Chahal has taken 10 wickets in the tournament so far whereas Yadav has dented England on previous occasions.
Kohli effect
Virat Kohli has had numerous international centuries and is even set to break a couple of records if he bats well in the clash against England. The last time Kohli played in Edgbaston he scored 149 of India’s 274 runs. Kohli is yet to hit his century in this tournament but has managed to hit four half centuries in a row now.
The return of Jason Roy
Injured Jason Roy is one of the key elements in England’s attacking force, as displayed by his performances in England’s opening matches.
His return ahead of Sunday’s game will prove crucial to the hosts who after two consecutive losses are in dire need of change.
Mohammad Shami
Mohammad Shami has shown a great form in the tournament so far. Despite a late start in the tournament Shami went on to display a match winning hat-trick in India’s near loss to Afghanistan. He followed up by taking four wickets in India’s comfortable win over West Indies.
His form will be key against English heavy hitters Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow, and others.
History favours India
This will be India and England’s eighth meeting at the World Cup, but England haven’t beaten India at the stage since 1992. India will be looking forward to continue their strong run against the hosts on Sunday.
