England’s ODI struggles continue as India ease to victory despite Root and Dawson fightback

England’s problems in one-day cricket showed no signs of disappearing as India claimed a comfortable six-wicket victory in the opening ODI at Edgbaston to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Just days after Brendon McCullum’s departure as England’s Test coach, his white-ball side were second best for long periods against a vastly strengthened India outfit, who welcomed back stars including Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah and captain Shubman Gill following the T20 series.

England had swept India aside 4-0 in the T20s, but this was an entirely different challenge, and one they never truly looked like overcoming after being dismissed for 258.

Joe Root once again proved England’s standout performer with a composed unbeaten 76, while Liam Dawson produced the finest innings of his international career with 68 from 83 balls. Their seventh-wicket stand of 111 rescued England from a disastrous 107-6, but it ultimately only delayed the inevitable.

Earlier, England’s innings had unravelled alarmingly after a bright start. They slipped from 61 without loss to 64-3 before collapsing further to 107-6, with three wickets falling for just three runs in the space of six deliveries.

Ben Duckett top-scored among the specialist batters with 43, while Jacob Bethell endured a difficult outing in his new role at the top of the order. Jos Buttler, making his 200th appearance for England, managed only five.

India’s bowling attack was led superbly by Bumrah, whose relentless opening spell deserved more than figures of 1-31. His dismissal of Harry Brook proved particularly significant, while Axar Patel tore through the middle and lower order, finishing with excellent figures of 4-62.

Root survived an early chance after being dropped on seven and looked in complete control throughout his innings, but once Dawson fell attempting to pull Axar to deep square leg, England’s resistance quickly disappeared.

The final four wickets tumbled for only 30 runs, with Axar removing Adil Rashid, Jofra Archer and Josh Tongue in the space of six deliveries before Root was left stranded as England were bowled out inside 48 overs.

Chasing 259, India looked comfortable despite losing Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in quick succession. Rohit chipped Sam Curran to mid-on for 11 before Archer trapped Kohli lbw for five.

Gill once again showed why Edgbaston has become one of his favourite grounds. Having scored 430 runs in a single Test at the venue last year, the India captain played another classy innings, sharing a century partnership with Shreyas Iyer as India took control.

His elegant 80 from 75 balls appeared set to carry India home before he retired hurt with what initially looked like a hamstring injury. Gill later confirmed it was only cramp and expects to be fit for Thursday’s second ODI in Cardiff.

England briefly sensed an opportunity when Harry Brook’s direct-hit run out accounted for Iyer before Tongue dismissed KL Rahul, reducing India from 149-2 to 160-4.

However, Axar completed an outstanding all-round display with an unbeaten 57, while Washington Sundar anchored the chase with a calm 52 not out. The pair never allowed England back into the contest, guiding India home with 28 balls remaining.

For England, the defeat continues a worrying trend in 50-over cricket. They have now lost 14 of their last 20 ODIs and were bowled out for the 11th time in their previous 19 matches.

McCullum has transformed England’s T20 side into the world’s top-ranked team, but rebuilding the ODI squad ahead of the 2027 World Cup remains a significant challenge.

The second match of the series takes place in Cardiff on Thursday, where England must respond to keep the series alive.