India have had the ’summer from hell’ after arriving with the world number one status, then watched as their badly depleted team lost the series 4-0, and with it their reign at the top of the world rankings. India may well struggle to remain in the top four and qualify for the inaugural world test series. In the meantime, they have a one day series to contend with, and they have added to their batting misfortunes with the loss of their champion run scorer, Sachin Tendulker. He has been ruled out of the one day series due to injury.

This of course further enhances England’s chances of victory. However, one day cricket is full of imponderables and while India may be down, they are by no means out. Future careers are built around these types of events, and it only takes one or two young players to step up and we’ll have a real game on our hands – and India have shown in the past that they are more than capable of springing surprises.

Bookmakers have made England 8/11 to win the second one day international. The first ended in a no result, not uncommon this time of the year given the fickle weather. This second game could well go the same way – practice sessions have already been cancelled due to rain. India are 6/4 to spring a surprise win, and if they bat first, are quite capable of doing so. We’re tipping India to take at least one match in this series, whether or not this it that win, time will tell. At 6/4, we think they are better value to spring that surprise, before the English batters and bowlers get a good look at the new players.

In the one day cricket betting for the series, bookmakers have England at 8/11 to win; India 11/4; and a tied series 12/5. We’re tipping a 2-1 series win for England – you can back that result at evens with most bookmakers.