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Defending Champions India is suddenly feeling the heat with the sword of elimination hanging over their head, when they face England today in a crucial match. The sudden loss against West Indies has put the Indian team under lots of pressure.

India has performed well in matches when their batting has clicked, especially when the openers have given them a rocking start. But India’s worry would be their bowling which has failed to live upto their expectation in the match against the Windies. According to Castrol Index, India’s Bowling Efficiency has fallen from a high of 257 to 170. Harbhajan Singh and Ishant Sharma have been expensive in periods of Extreme Performance Bowl. Against the Windies, in the last five overs bowlers conceded runs at an alarming rate of 10.45 and picked only 3 wickets. India has to find ways to prevent the onslaught if they are to restrict the strong English batting. England on the other hand can take advantage of this vulnerability to post a formidable target. Batsman like Kevin Pietersen, Owais Shah, Paul Collingwood have contributed 61% of the total score in their last 2 matches.

How India holds its nerves and handles the pressure would be keenly watched.