India victorious in IT20 series over England after Old Trafford success

While one England sporting side, the Lionesses, sailed to victory over The Netherlands European Championships, displayed on the big screen on the concourse, another England side (yet to have a nickname) lost their IT20 series against India.

Photo Credit: BCCI

Scoring a measly 126/7, Sophia Dunkley top scoring on 22, India were on the front foot heading into the second innings. After emphatic victories in Nottingham and Bristol, India ensured a series win, defeating England by 6 wickets.

The first time Sophie Ecclestone took to the pitch at Old Trafford in an England shirt was the same day she stood emotionally receiving her 100^th IT20 cap, the football theme continuing with former Everton defender Phil Jagielka presenting her cap.

Ecclestone was just thirteen the last time the home of Lancashire Cricket hosted an England women’s international, denying the left-arm spinner the opportunity. Of course, as Cheshire fans will be quick to remind anyone, Ecclestone is a product of the Cheshire pathway, having moved to Lancashire as a teenager a decade ago. However, Old Trafford probably fits in among Alvanley CC and Goodison Park as places that feel like home for the 26-year-old.

After an enticing thriller at the Oval on Friday night, it was once again a must-win for England in the context of the series, 2-1 down. Winning the toss (again) and batting, the fight England showed under the lights in South London didn’t seem to travel up North with them. Their tentative powerplay, finishing on 38/2, involved England’s openers failing to properly fire. 22 was the highest individual total and England batter could amass, a symptom of their run-a-ball approach followed by a reckless shot to a fielder in the shade.

The phrase ‘Charlie Dean run out’ has its own special place in the cricketing history books, especially when you add in India. Dean has graciously dealt with that day at Lord’s almost three years ago but managed to add another incident under that title, putting in a full length dive in vain after being sent back by Ecclestone.

Certainly not as game defining as the previous debacle, but definitely one you wouldn’t want to watch back.  

England were tested again by the world-class India top order, comfortably chasing town 127. Finishing the powerplay 53-0, the ease at which India batted made Friday’s win feel like a fluke. The middle overs showed some promise for England with mainly Ecclestone putting on the pressure. However, India knew they had time. That’s not to say there was a shortage of boundaries, England will remember that there was not.

12 months time is when the results ultimately matter in the T20 format with England hosting the T20 World Cup, Old Trafford being one of the venues. Change is not instant and it will take time for the seeds of Charlotte Edward’s coaching to germinate.