England levelled the three match ODI series 1-1 by beating India in the second game, bouncing back after losing the series opener to the visitors. England's bowlers put in a disciplined performance in the second ODI, bundling India out for just 233 and then chasing the target down in 44.1 overs.
How the momentum flipped in Cardiff
India had won the first match of the series, putting England under pressure to level things up. At one stage in the second ODI, India's batting looked so solid that a big total seemed almost certain, but a sudden middle order collapse completely changed the complexion of the game. India looked well set for a big score through the middle overs, but the batting line up fell apart in a hurry, losing 7 wickets for just 60 runs to be bowled out for 233. For Brook, the manner of India's collapse was the standout talking point of the day, a reminder of how quickly momentum can shift in a chase once a couple of wickets fall in a cluster. Once the match ended, England captain Harry Brook admitted he was surprised by the sudden slide, while India captain Shubman Gill also pointed to poor batting as the main reason behind the defeat.
Brook: losing 7 wickets for 60 runs was a bit strange
After the win, Brook first heaped praise on his bowling unit. He said the series was still very much alive and that the focus had now shifted entirely to the decider. According to Brook, restricting India to 233 was the result of a superb collective effort from his bowlers. He pointed out that India were 180 for 3 after 30 overs and were clearly cruising towards a much bigger total. It was around this stage that Sam Curran and Will Jacks turned things around with a tight spell of bowling, and India eventually lost 7 wickets for just 60 runs, a collapse Brook admitted felt a little strange. He added that England had picked an extra fast bowler in the playing eleven keeping the conditions in mind, and the call worked out perfectly. Brook felt the extra pace option gave England the control they needed at a ground where the pitch offered something for the seamers through the middle overs, and it proved decisive in pulling off the turnaround India had not seen coming.
Joe Root's lone hand steadies England's chase
England's chase of the 233 run target got off to a disastrous start as well, with the hosts losing both opening batters with the score on just 8 runs. The side's most experienced batter, Joe Root, then held one end together and guided the team to victory with an unbeaten knock of 99 runs. Brook praised Root, calling him a phenomenal player and someone the rest of the dressing room can learn a great deal from just by watching him bat. Brook recalled an innings from a few years ago in which Root reached a hundred with only three boundaries to his name, calling it a remarkable effort.
Eyes now on the series decider
With the series now tied at 1-1, both sides will turn their attention to the final, series deciding ODI. Brook said the team would study the conditions there closely and build its plans around them in the push for a series win.
