Hardik Pandya proved to be the game-changer for India in the ongoing third ODI at the Old Trafford ground in Manchester on July 17, 2022, as he picked his career-best bowling figures in the 50-over format.
Rohit Sharma had won the toss and chose to field first. India made one change with Mohammed Siraj coming in for Jasprit Bumrah who had a back spasm.
While Mohammed Siraj removed both Jonny Bairstow and Joe Root for ducks in the second over of the innings, it was Hardik Pandya who used the short ball nicely and abundantly to pick 4/24 in his 7 overs, as England were bowled out for 259 runs.
Hardik picked the wickets of Jason Roy (41), Ben Stokes (27), Jos Buttler (60), and Liam Livingstone (27).
After the innings ended, Hardik Pandya talked to the broadcasters about his fitness and credited captain Rohit Sharma for handling his workload perfectly.
“I had to bend my back a bit, change my plans and realise you need to use the short ball as a wicket-taking ball. I always fancy my bouncer. Livingstone likes to take the short ball on and that gives me goosebumps. He hit me for two sixes, but one wicket made a big difference. The body's fine, the captain is fantastic at managing my workload. The chase is about intent, the wicket is pretty good to bat on. We'll fancy our chances to chase it down,” he said.
Apart from Hardik Pandya, Yuzvendra Chahal with 3/60 and Mohammed Siraj with 2/66 were the other main wicket-takers for India.
(PTI inputs)
