xtratime Logo

Xtra Time Web Desk: Mohammad Shami made a stellar return to ODI cricket in the first match of the three-game series against England, reaffirming his status as one of India's premier pacers ahead of the upcoming Champions Trophy. Bowling with his trademark control and precision, Shami set the tone early with a maiden over and maintained a disciplined spell, consistently hitting probing lengths.

On a sluggish Nagpur pitch, the veteran seamer’s sharp movement and accuracy troubled England’s batters, restricting their fluency. In his economical eight-over spell, he conceded just 38 runs while generating multiple wicket-taking opportunities. The highlight of his comeback was the dismissal of Brydon Carse—his first ODI scalp in 445 days—executed with a cross-seam delivery that crashed into the top of middle stump. Carse, attempting an ambitious slog across the line, misjudged the length and was caught in the crease.

Read More: IND vs ENG: Virat Kohli's injury history! how many matches has he missed? Find out

Shami's fitness was never in doubt, having already showcased his match readiness in the T20I series against England, where he claimed three wickets in the final game. His return to ODI cricket, following impressive domestic performances, signals his preparedness for the challenges ahead as India eyes the Champions Trophy.

With 195 ODI wickets to his name, Shami is now just five scalps away from joining the elite 200-wicket club, which features Indian pace legends like Kapil Dev, Zaheer Khan, and Jasprit Bumrah.

Read More: Nitin Menon pulls out of ICC Champions Trophy; BCCI cites personal reasons

Harshit Rana, Jadeja shine as England bowled out for 248

Debutant pacer Harshit Rana (3/53) and seasoned left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja (3/26) played pivotal roles in restricting England to a modest 248 after Jos Buttler opted to bat first. Despite half-centuries from Buttler and Jacob Bethell, England faltered in the middle overs and failed to cross the 250-run mark.

Openers Phil Salt and Ben Duckett provided a brisk start, adding 75 runs before Salt, who had smashed three sixes and two boundaries off Rana in a fiery over, was run out for 43 after a mix-up with Duckett. Rana then struck twice, dismissing Duckett and Harry Brook, aided by sharp fielding.

Joe Root and Buttler attempted to stabilize the innings, but Root fell LBW to Jadeja for 19. Buttler and Bethell forged a crucial 59-run stand, but Axar Patel ended the England skipper’s resistance, trapping him at 50 with a mistimed sweep. Liam Livingstone departed cheaply, while Bethell fought on to notch his maiden ODI fifty before Jadeja got him LBW.

At 183/6 in the 36th over, England looked in danger of falling well short, but Jofra Archer’s late cameo (21 off 12) injected some momentum, lifting the total to 248.

India now looks to capitalize on the strong bowling effort as they chase a series lead in Nagpur.