Indians are teaching England how to play ODIs: Alec Stewart

Alec Stewart

London, Aug 31 (IANS) Former England cricket captain Alec Stewart has lauded India for their stunning turnaround in ODIs after a 1-3 loss in the Test series and said strong shots, improvisation and not allowing any England bowler to settle has been their formula mixed in with variety in the bowling attack.

India, who lost the Test series 1-3, lead the five-match ODI series 2-0 after three outings. They won the third ODI here on Saturday comfortably by six wickets and had beaten England in the second ODI by 133 runs via the Duckworth Lewis method. The first ODI was washed out due to rain.

"India look a completely different team to the rabble that threw in the towel in the recent Test series. They are currently giving their hosts a lesson in how to play 50 over cricket. Strong shots, improvisation and not allowing any England bowler to settle has been their formula mixed in with variety in the bowling attack," Stewart wrote in his column in The Mirror.

Stewart feels the positives for England are Chris Woakes evolving as an all-rounder and opening batsman Alex Hales.

"On the few positives from England I've been impressed with the progress Chris Woakes is making as an all rounder while Alex Hales has shown enough in his first two games at the top of the order that he can succeed at this level," he said.

Stewart warned England that they must not commit the mistakes they did in the last World Cup.

"England mustn't fall into the trap of previous World Cup when the carefully laid plans that had been in place were suddenly ripped up just a few weeks before the tournaments began. By the time England take on India and Australia "Down Under" in a tri series leading into the World Cup they must know how they're going to play and which players can deliver.

"There is plenty to consider between now and then and like many of my school reports used to say England's would read 'room for plenty of improvement while there's still just about enough time'," he said.