Resurgent paceman Steven Finn produced a career-best performance in one-day internationals as England thrashed India in the triangular one-day series in Brisbane on Tuesday. India's decision to bat first backfired when they were dismissed for just 153 in 39.3 overs, with Finn exploiting the Gabba's pace and bounce to claim five wickets for 33.
England cruised to victory in just 27.3 overs, giving them a much-needed confidence boost before the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand that kicks off next month. Their recent one-day form has been very poor, but they were never stretched with the bat as they finished on 156 for one, with opener Ian Bell unbeaten on 88 and James Taylor on 56. It was their first win under new one-day captain Eoin Morgan.
Stuart Binny, who top-scored for India with 44 in his return to the side, claimed the only wicket to fall, that of opener Moeen Ali for eight. Despite the heavy defeat Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni said he had not lost confidence in his players, although he conceded they may be feeling the effects of the preceding series in Australia. "When we don't do well, there is a lot of criticism," he said. "I feel that is part and parcel but not to forget it was the same batting line-up that won us the Champions Trophy, and that was in England that we played.
"It is important to have confidence, not to forget it's the same players who have put in a lot of effort in the Test series." After losing to Australia on Sunday, the Indian batsmen struggled to cope with the lively wicket Tuesday. Finn made the most of it to claim his first five-wicket haul in 49 one-day internationals, including a number of prized Indian scalps. The paceman was thrilled with the performance, having at times feared for his international future "It's just nice to help England win a game of cricket," he said.
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