Morgan century in vain as England lose

by Keilan Webster

Eoin Morgan’s sparkling ton was not enough to prevent India from taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three match ODI series.

It was a case of ‘Throwback Thursday’ as Indian veterans MS Dhoni and Yuvraj Singh also smashed centuries on the way to a 15-run win for the hosts.

The day had started with such promise for England as Chris Woakes took three early wickets – including star man Virat kohli – to leave India 25-3.

Dhoni and Yuvraj took control from there though, sharing a stand of 256 as they reached 381-6 at the halfway mark

England’s death bowling continues to be a worrying weakness after they conceded 120 runs in the final ten overs and that ultimately proved to be the difference.

England’s chase was steady but they lost wickets at crucial intervals. Jason Roy and Joe Root both failed to convert fifties into hundreds whilst Alex Hales, Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler all fell cheaply.

At 206-5 England looked out of it but a brisk 55 from Moeen Ali alongside Morgan kept hopes alive.

Hope that eventually was ended when Morgan was run out with 28 still required.

England will reflect on not matching India’s nerveless bowling at the death.

They might also wonder how they can hit more than 700 runs across two games and win neither.