England's openers - identical twins?

Jul 12, 2018

A T20I-series win in the bank, Virat Kohli was no stranger to the reality that the ODIs against England wouldn't be child's play•Getty Images

The England openers imposed themselves early, collecting 71 for no loss in the Powerplay•AFP

Even as there seemed no stopping them, Kohli unleashed one of his two wristspinning trump cards: Kuldeep Yadav•AFP/Getty

But that was not to be as Kuldeep picked three more wickets upon his return to roll England over for 268 in 49.5 overs•AFP/Getty

Indian fans soaked in the sun and some fine batting as England were put to the sores•AFP/Getty Images

Virat Kohli played a number of scorching drives in his 75 before Rahul finished it off in Rohit's company to take India 1-0 up•Getty Images

He called it right at the toss and the Indian attack validated his decision•AFP/Getty

India's pace contingent struggled to break through the prolific England opening pair •AFP/Getty

A wicket - of Roy - off the second ball of his opening spell soon rolled into a three-for by the end of it•Getty Images

Rohit Sharma started in sparkling fashion•Getty Images

Ben Stokes' body language said it all. He went for 27 in four wicketless overs•Getty Images

Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow struck an identical score of 38 - off 35 balls each•Getty Images

Jos Buttler's fifty inspired hopes of a rebuild that England could capitalise on in the end overs•AFP/Getty

Rohit and Virat Kohli, who walked in at No. 3, added 167 for the second wicket•AFP/Getty Images

Rohit Sharma brought up his second successive century on tour, his 18th in ODIs to lead India's cruise•Getty Images