Shubman Gill’s 80, Axar-Washington stand give India 1-0 lead over England in ODI series | Cricket News

Shubman Gill continued his excellent record at Edgbaston with a fluent 80 as India defeated England by six wickets in the first ODI at Edgbaston on Tuesday to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.Gill once again delivered at a venue where he had scored 269 and 161 during India’s Test win last year. His 80 off 75 balls put India in control of the chase before cramps and a hamstring issue forced him to retire hurt with a century within reach.Chasing 259, India lost Rohit Sharma (11) and Virat Kohli (5) early, slipping to 48/2. Gill then rebuilt the innings with vice-captain Shreyas Iyer, adding 101 runs for the third wicket.Gill looked in control throughout his innings, striking 11 fours and a six. He balanced attack with caution, playing drives through the off and on sides while also pulling Josh Tongue for a six. However, physical discomfort interrupted his innings, with calf cramps followed by a hamstring problem forcing him to walk off retired hurt on 80.Soon after Gill’s exit, England found a way back into the contest. Iyer, who had made 35, was run out, and KL Rahul was later bowled by Tongue.However, Axar Patel and Washington Sundar ensured there were no further setbacks. The pair stitched together an unbeaten 102-run stand for the fifth wicket, taking India home in 45.2 overs.Axar, who had struggled for runs during the T20I series, remained unbeaten on 57 off 52 balls, while Washington finished on 52 not out from 63 deliveries. The duo handled Jofra Archer’s pace and rotated strike well against England’s spinners to complete the chase comfortably.The victory was India’s first win of their ongoing tour of the United Kingdom.Earlier, Joe Root and Liam Dawson rescued England after a batting collapse with a 121-run partnership for the seventh wicket.England were 61 without loss at the start of the 13th over but slipped to 107 for 6 before Root and Dawson rebuilt the innings. Root scored 76 from 76 balls, while Dawson registered a career-best 68 off 83 deliveries as England posted 258 after choosing to bat.Root paced his innings well, attacking after Jasprit Bumrah completed his opening spells. He struck six fours and a six, including a ramp shot off a Bumrah bouncer.Bumrah finished with figures of 1 for 31 in nine overs and was India’s most economical bowler. Gurnoor Brar claimed 2 for 61, while Prasidh Krishna picked up 2 for 50. Axar then cleaned up the lower order, finishing with 4 for 62 after breaking the Root-Dawson stand.