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India’s Bowlers Restrict England to 248 as Shami and Kuldeep Make Impactful Return

 

Mohammed Shami and Kuldeep Yadav marked their return with impactful spells as India restricted England to 248 in the first ODI at Nagpur. Despite a strong 71-run opening stand, England struggled against India's disciplined bowling attack, led by Ravindra Jadeja and debutant Harshit Rana. Shami's early breakthroughs and Kuldeep's middle-over control showcased India's depth as they fine-tune their squad ahead of the Champions Trophy. A stunning catch by Yashasvi Jaiswal further energized the fielding effort, underlining India's all-round dominance.

Ravindra Jadeja (3/26) and debutant Harshit Rana (3/53) spearheaded the attack, but Shami and Kuldeep’s presence boosted the team’s bowling depth. The Indian bowlers recovered remarkably after England had surged to 71 without loss in just eight overs. England’s opening partnership was broken through a run-out orchestrated by Shreyas Iyer, who prevented a third run with an agile sliding stop near the boundary. This dismissal proved crucial, halting England’s momentum.

 

Shami Finds Rhythm Early

 

Returning after a 15-month hiatus from ODI cricket, Mohammed Shami displayed mastery from first over, which was a maiden. He extracted movement and bounced on a two paced Nagpur pitch, troubling Phil Salt with deliveries which whisked past the bat. Shami continued to test England’s top order, despite Hardik Pandya missing an early catch off Ben Duckett.

Finally, Shami struck in the seventh over, dismissing Brydon Carse off a full delivery that crashed the stumps. This breakthrough proved, once again, Shami’s capacity to lead the attack even in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah. India's disciplined bowling performance was all set by his early spell.

 

Jaiswal's Stunning Catch Boosts Indian Defense

 

The fielding of India played a big part in the turnaround. Yashasvi Jaiswal’s remarkable catch of Ben Duckett drew comparisons to Travis Head’s iconic dismissal of Rohit Sharma during the World Cup final. India bagged the match as Jaiswal sprinted and lunged forward at full stretch to take the catch.

 

Kuldeep Yadav Returns with Control and Deception 

 

Returning from injury, Kuldeep Yadav also impressed with his guile and accuracy. His stock deliveries turned into right-handers and he contained key batters such as Joe Root and Jos Buttler. He (Root) tried to disturb Kuldeep’s rhythm with reverse sweeps but the spinner kept England’s middle order quiet. Kuldeep conceded occasional boundaries, but kept things in hand before compensating for the absence of Woakes in his last over to dismissened Saqib Mahmood.

India’s strength and readiness in bowling in the absence of Bumrah was on full display. The return of Shami and Kuldeep will give India the confidence that it needs ahead of the Champions Trophy.