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The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad witnessed a commanding performance from Rohit Sharma-led India, as they crushed Jos Buttler’s England in the third and final ODI on February 12. The 142-run defeat not only sealed a 3-0 whitewash for India but also marked their second-biggest win over England in ODI history.
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England’s Struggles Continue
After losing the first two ODIs, England won the toss and opted to bowl first. They made a solitary change, bringing in Tom Banton in place of Jamie Overton. Meanwhile, India made three changes, with Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, and Kuldeep Yadav replacing Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, and Varun Chakravarthy (who had a sore calf).
Despite an early breakthrough—dismissing Rohit Sharma cheaply—England struggled to contain India’s batting lineup. Shubman Gill led the charge with a superb century, while Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer notched up crucial fifties.
Among England’s bowlers, Adil Rashid stood out with a four-wicket haul, while Mark Wood claimed two wickets. Saqib Mahmood and Joe Root chipped in with a wicket each, but India still posted a daunting total.
England’s Batting Collapse
Chasing a massive target, England showed early promise but crumbled once their openers departed. The middle and lower order failed to step up, resulting in them being bowled out for 214 in just 34.2 overs.
This loss completed a 3-0 whitewash, extending England’s recent struggles in white-ball cricket.
Jos Buttler Stands By England’s Approach
Despite the heavy defeat, Jos Buttler defended England’s aggressive batting approach, stating that execution—not the strategy itself—was the issue.
Speaking at the post-match presentation, Buttler acknowledged that England had been completely outplayed by a dominant Indian side, which challenged them in every aspect throughout the tour.
“It went in similar fashion to the whole tour. We were outplayed by a fantastic team. Our approach with the bat is the right one, just that we haven’t executed well,” said Buttler.
“They put a great score on the board. Shubman played a great innings. We got off to a great start again but familiar story again for us. Need to find a way to bat longer. We were up against a really good side that keeps challenging,” he added.
As England reflects on this humbling defeat, questions will be raised about their form ahead of future international tournaments, while India will take confidence from their dominant series win.
