ODI preview / Ed Hawkins / 12 October 2011 /

Ed Hawkins, reporting from Delhi, gives us the trends, stats and tips ahead of game one of a five-match series between India and England in Hyderabad on Friday

India v England
Start: 09.00GMT
Channel: Live in the UK on Sky Sports
Match Odds: India [1.87], England [2.12]

India
So, first things first. There is no Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Zaheer Khan, Harbhajan Singh or Yuvraj Singh. The stellar performers, or household names if you prefer, are MS Dhoni, Gautam Gambhir and Suresh Raina.

As big guns we expect them to fire. Praveen Kumar should get bend and Ravi Ashwin has the potential to be bracketed with the above if he continues on his upward curve as a spinning all-rounder. Ravi Jadeja is easy-on-the-eye, too.

England
This is a young and inexperienced England side who are expected to struggle on alien pitches. Remember how India's youthful superstars found it tricky to adjust to conditions in England this summer? Well, the boot is on the other foot.

They have interesting options in the bowling department. Tim Bresnan looks a certainty to play so Chris Woakes, Jade Dernbach, Scott Borthwick and Stuart Meaker will battle for two places alongside Steve Finn, who is something of a must because he offers something different. Borthwick leads the way after taking a five-for in the warm-up.

The batting is similarly complicated. Jonathan Trott and Ravi Bopara must be nervous as Ian Bell, Craig Kieswetter, Jon Bairstow and Kevin Pietersen look cosy selection options.

Venue and conditions
There have been only three ODIs at Hyderabad's Rajiv Gandhi stadium so that gives us little to work with in terms of historic data. The three first-innings scores are: 249, 290 and 350. There is not much to go on following the two warm-ups at the venue, either, save for England apparently working out the pace of the pitch in the second outing. Still, that is to be expected.

It is safe to say that it is pretty good to bat on, though so don't be afraid to get with the side batting first for 275 or more. If it is India they could go off at around [1.80]. That may be more hope than expectation talking, however.

Match odds
This series is being billed as the 'payback series' on Indian television. But then they are not afraid to get overexcited in this frenetic country.

As discussed in the series preview, we fear for England's inexperienced kids, particularly in the bowling department. There could be times when they look bewildered in the field as they go round the park.

For that reason on a good batting wicket, our advice would be to get with the hosts at [1.87]. It is rare that you get such a decent price about a world champion outfit on home soil against opponents who have a torrid record in a country.

Top India batsman
There is little ground form to go on apart from Suresh Raina's 59 last time out against Australia. That was a thrilling game, by the way and a repeat of that would stoke the fires nicely. Australia posted 350 and got home by three runs despite a memorable 175 from the Little Master.

Raina is [5.80] for honours but the price that stands out is MS Dhoni at [7.60]. He may move up the order to add a bit more experience and solidity to the line-up. Similar to when he took charge in the World Cup final.

Top England batsman
Bairstow the blaster will be all the rage and he is listed under Any Other at [5.30]. His brilliant, brutal and rapid century in the warm-up was quite extraordinary. Englishmen are just not supposed to be capable of such hitting. In that regard he might just break the mould.

Pietersen is [5.70] and Bell [6.40]. Either man rates a decent value wager. KP looks hungry again while the class of Bell often tolls on nice, flat surfaces.

Recommended bet
India to win 1st ODI at [1.87]

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