4 min readHyderabadUpdated: Jul 15, 2026 01:29 PM IST England’s decision to bat first in the ODI series opener against England at Edgbaston on Tuesday seemed vindicated when Ben Duckett and Jacob Bethell took them to 61/0. India’s bowlers had bowled well, but not done enough to dislodge the pair, beating the bat on numerous occasions without taking the outside edge. Once the ball stopped swinging, Duckett began to open up, putting India under pressure. However, some on-field decisions from Shubman Gill helped India claw their way back into the match, reducing England to 107/6 in the 22nd over and eventually restricted them to a below-par score. Brar end swap The Edgbaston pitch was offering extra bounce, and Gurnoor Brar, with his height, was able to make full use of it from the surface. Duckett, waiting for his chance to pounce, took liberties against Brar, and his first two overs went for 31. ALSO READ | Jasprit Bumrah’s return reminds England why he’s the best in the world Something had to give. Gill reacted by …