Tag Ind-Eng-ODI-2011

Last time England played an ODI series in India, back in 2008, they lost 0-5 before last two games were abandoned. Even during recent World cup 2011, England couldn't progress past quarterfinals, lost to teams like Ireland and Bangladesh, which is a strong hint that British team don't enjoy the sub-continent conditions specially in limited overs formats..

English bowlers don't get the kind of assistance from pitches in India and around that they get back home and then, their batsmen lack the power to clear in-field which is mandatory as totals in excess of run a ball aren't considered huge here.

Fact : England, overall, have played 50 one day internationals in India and lost 27 of them, besides 1 tie and winning only 22 of them. Against India in India, England have played 35 ODI and won 13 while losing 21 with 1 tie. They're yet to beat home team in last 8 games, losing 7 times straight.

That said, England captain Alastair Cook is confident his team will improve on their record as they embark on a 5 ODI and a T20 series in India this October, straight after they whitewashed their opposition just last month.

“The hunger and determination to improve from the lads is very encouraging,” says Cook. “We are going to need that over the next couple of months in sub-continent conditions, where we haven’t played a huge amount of successful one-day cricket. Our learning curve is going to be steep, but I’m very confident in the players we’ve got.”

Last one year or so has been superb from England's point of view as they won T20 world cup, snatched Ashes at home and then defended it in Australia after 28 long years and were recently crowned as World no.1 test team. Cook is hoping to build on the incredible form they've found as a team.

“It’s been an incredible summer for us, and in the last two months we’ve played some outstanding cricket. In these last few games we’ve managed to sneak home, which shows very good character in the side - and that bodes well for the future.

“When we went to India last time (in 2008) we didn’t win a game, so that shows the challenge we have ahead of us in these next two months. But with the developing squad we’ve got, these are exciting times - and I think we can adapt well to those conditions.”

Cook has silenced those who doubted whether he could adequately adapt his Test match batting to 50-over cricket. Cook also made his captainship debut in sub-continent, winning series in Bangladesh little over an year ago and hence he should do well.

“I hope I’ve answered a few of them,” he said. “But it’s not about proving people wrong; it’s about proving to myself that I can do it.

“The last couple of games I don’t think I’ve played as well as I could have. I think I’ve struggled a little bit with my timing.

“It always takes time for a new captain to come in and players to get used to your style. But we’ll call it a good start, and move on from there.”