It has been a disastrous World Cup defence for England and they could be in for more misery when they take on tournament hosts and title favourites India at Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow on Sunday.
After losing three of their opening four matches, England needed a victory against Sri Lanka on Thursday to spark them into life and keep their slim hopes of qualifying for the semi-finals alive.
But the performance in Bangalore was arguably their worst of the tournament to date as they were bowled out for just 156, a target which Sri Lanka reached with eight wickets remaining and 24.2 overs to spare.
A semi-final berth is not mathematically beyond England but defeat to India, who have won all of their five games, will confirm an early exit for Jos Buttler's side.
- India to have highest opening partnership
- Rohit Sharma top India run-scorer
- David Willey to hit over 0.5 sixes
Indian Openers To Outscore England Pair
England have been pretty woeful in all areas during a disastrous World Cup defence to date, but their batting has been a particular area of concern.
Apart from a stand of 115 against Bangladesh in their second outing, England openers Jonny Bairstow and Dawid Malan have struggled to build a strong platform, with the first wicket in the other four matches falling when the score was on 40, 3, 18 and 45.
India have managed to produce a better start on more occasions than England, recording opening stands of 156, 88 and 71 in their five games, and there is more confidence the hosts can make the highest opening partnership on Sunday.
INDIA HIGHEST OPENING PARTNERSHIP
Captain Sharma To Lead By Example
While Virat Kohli has been making the headlines for India thanks to some superb batting performances, captain Rohit Sharma is not far behind in the top runscorer charts, with his tally of 311 leaving him 43 runs behind the ex-skipper.
The 36-year-old has made scores of 131, 86, 48 and 46 in his last four innings and will be relishing the chance to take on an England attack who have been nowhere near the level required during the tournament.
Sharma has played 19 ODI matches against England, amassing 637 runs at an average of 45.5, and there is every chance he can put the soon-to-be dethroned champions to the sword.
ROHIT SHARMA TOP INDIAN RUN-SCORER
Rohit expected to shine
Willey In Six Mode
Although primarily in the side to pick up wickets, David Willey is still an able hand with the bat and has managed to clear the rope in the two group matches he has played in.
The 33-year-old smashed a six in the defeat to South Africa before cracking one over the boundary rope in Thursday's loss to Sri Lanka, proving he has the power and ability to chip in with some valuable runs down the order.
Should the batsmen above Willey again fail to fire, the Northampton-born all-rounder could find himself with some more time at the crease and he could very well clear the boundary once again.
DAVID WILLEY TO OVER 0.5 SIXES
