Key events:
The commentators are surprised by India’s decision to bowl first on a belting pitch – but it is is humid out there and India have made the white ball swing this summer so that could be behind Rohit’s thinking.
Teams
India (Bumrah, out with a back spasm, is replaced by Siraj): Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant , Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal, Prasidh Krishna.
England (unchanged): Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler, Liam Livingsone, Moeen Ali, Craig Overton, David Willey, Brydon Carse, Reece Topley.
India win the toss and will bowl!
“It’s a good batting track,” says Rohit Sharma, “And we don’t think it is going to change.” Jos Buttler said that he would have batted first – so both captains happy.
Lancashire fans still reeling from defeat last night in the Blast Final, and Lanky’s loss in the mascot race, can be cheered by the return of Jos Buttler to his home ground.
Preamble
Good morning! The heat is as fierce as promised today in Manchester, though a slight haze has brought relief to the swifts suddenly swirling the local streets, as England and India meet for the final ODI. This is the decider, after Jos Buttler’s team suddenly found their mojo at Lord’s.
The last time these two teams met at Old Trafford was for the Test that never was, when events were called off at the last minute, spectators already trickling into the ground, souvenir sellers outside. No chance of anyone pulling out today: the match is a sell-out and both teams will find full-throated support.
The main talking point for India, is the lack of form of Virat Kohli – who was sent a personal message of support from Babar Azam earlier this week. England? After a chaotic few white-ball days, they just want the win.