India vs England 3rd ODI: Axar Patel’s Blunder Gives Tom Banton a Lifeline
The India National Cricket Team all-rounder, Axar Patel, found himself in hot water during the third ODI against the England National Cricket Team on February 12th. The match, held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, saw Axar Patel making a crucial blunder that led to English batter Tom Banton getting a lifeline he certainly didn’t expect.
Axar Patel’s Mistake
Tom Banton, a right-handed batter, was called back into the England team after an injury to all-rounder Jacob Bethell. Banton’s recent performances in the ILT20 had impressed selectors, earning him a spot in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad as Bethell’s replacement. In the third ODI, Banton scored 38 runs off 41 balls before being dismissed by Kuldeep Yadav. However, his stay at the crease could have been cut short much earlier if not for Axar Patel’s mistake.
During the 13th over, a mix-up between Banton and his partner, Joe Root, resulted in a chaotic ‘no-run, yes-no’ situation. Axar Patel had the opportunity to run Banton out but hesitated, ultimately producing an off-target throw that allowed Banton to dive and escape dismissal. Both Axar and Hardik Pandya, who was bowling at the time, were seen reacting to the blunder with a mix of regret and amusement.
Previous ODI and Series Wrap-Up
In the previous ODI, India secured a convincing 4-wicket victory over England in Cuttack, sealing the series with a game to spare. Chasing 305 runs, Rohit Sharma’s remarkable 119-run innings guided India to victory. England, batting first, posted 304 runs on the board with notable contributions from Joe Root and Ben Duckett. Ravindra Jadeja led India’s bowling attack, with support from Mohammed Shami, Varun Chakravarthy, Harshit Rana, and Hardik Pandya.
Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill provided a strong start for India, with Rohit’s explosive batting ensuring a comfortable chase. Despite a brief interruption due to a floodlight malfunction and Virat Kohli’s early dismissal, India’s middle-order ensured a smooth finish, securing the win with a boundary.
The third ODI between India and England showcased thrilling moments, with Axar Patel’s blunder adding an unexpected twist to the match. The series between these two cricketing powerhouses continues to deliver excitement and drama, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
Tom Banton’s Rising Star
Tom Banton’s emergence as a rising star in English cricket has been a topic of discussion among fans and experts alike. The young batter has shown immense potential with his aggressive stroke play and ability to accelerate the run rate. His selection in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad came as a reward for his consistent performances in domestic and international cricket. Banton’s presence in the England team adds depth to their batting lineup and provides a dynamic edge to their middle order.
Despite the early scare in the third ODI against India, Tom Banton managed to capitalize on the opportunity and play a valuable innings for his team. His ability to recover from challenging situations and make significant contributions under pressure highlights his composure and talent as a batsman. Banton’s partnership with Joe Root added stability to the England innings and allowed them to build a competitive total against a formidable Indian bowling attack.
India’s Bowling Strategy
The performance of the Indian bowlers in the ODI series against England has been a key factor in their success. Bowlers like Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, and Ravindra Jadeja have consistently troubled the English batters with their variations and control. The spin duo of Kuldeep and Jadeja has been particularly effective in applying pressure on the opposition and taking crucial wickets at crucial junctures.
In the third ODI, despite Axar Patel’s blunder, the Indian bowlers maintained a disciplined approach and kept the English batters in check. The seamers, led by Mohammed Shami, displayed accuracy and pace, while the spinners exploited the conditions well to restrict the run flow. India’s bowling strategy of mixing up pace, line, and length has kept the English batters guessing and prevented them from building big partnerships.
Series Implications
With India clinching the series against England, they have asserted their dominance in the limited-overs format and sent a strong message to other cricketing nations. The series victory has boosted the confidence of the Indian team and showcased their depth in both batting and bowling departments. Players like Rohit Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja, and Mohammed Shami have been instrumental in India’s success and have demonstrated their match-winning abilities on multiple occasions.
For England, the series loss will serve as a learning experience and a chance to regroup ahead of future challenges. The English team will analyze their performances, identify areas for improvement, and work on enhancing their skills to compete at the highest level. The talented pool of players in the England squad has the potential to bounce back strongly and pose a formidable challenge to their opponents in upcoming series and tournaments.
In conclusion, the India vs England ODI series has been a rollercoaster of emotions and exciting cricket action. From thrilling chases to unexpected blunders, the series has provided fans with unforgettable moments and intense competition between two cricketing giants. As the teams gear up for future battles, the stage is set for more gripping contests and memorable performances on the cricket field.
