England were bowled out for 258 in the first ODI of their three-match series against India at Edgbaston, leaving the visitors needing 259 runs to secure their first win of the tour. While Axar Patel led the figures with 4 for 62, the Indian seam attack, spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah, was instrumental in dismantling the top order. The pace bowlers accounted for six of the first seven wickets, though the team may regret missing an early chance to dismiss Joe Root, who was dropped by Shivam Dube while on seven.
Root went on to anchor the innings, finishing unbeaten on 76 off 76 balls. He shared a crucial 121-run partnership with Liam Dawson, who recorded a career-best 68. The pair stabilized the innings after England had collapsed to 107 for 6 in the 22nd over. England captain Harry Brook, who had expressed optimism about the batting track, saw his side struggle early as they slipped to 80 for 5 after just 100 balls.
Jacob Bethell, opening in limited-overs cricket for the first time, struggled to 14 off 31 balls before falling to Gurnoor Brar. Ben Duckett provided initial momentum, scoring 41 of England's first 50 runs despite receiving treatment for a hand injury. Duckett eventually fell to a sharp catch by Bumrah at deep third. Following his departure, Bumrah dismissed captain Brook for one, while Prasidh Krishna claimed the wickets of Jos Buttler and Sam Curran in quick succession.
Will Jacks contributed 20 runs before the middle-order recovery led by Root and Dawson. After Dawson was dismissed by Axar, the spinner quickly mopped up the tail, removing Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, and debutant Josh Tongue in his final overs. This performance marked the eighth time in 12 ODIs since the start of last year that England have been bowled out when batting first.
