The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is contemplating a strategy to keep players engaged with red-ball cricket throughout the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. This is before India's five-Test series in England in June-July, following the IPL. The scheme might involve players showing up at "occasional red-ball practice sessions" or other bizarre pursuits of some players.

🚨 RED BALL PRACTICE DURING IPL 🚨

- BCCI is working on a strategy to ensure players remain in touch with Test cricket ahead of England tour, it is likely that players might be ask for occasional practice with red ball during IPL. [Cricbuzz] pic.twitter.com/qil9BUrUwG

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 25, 2025

ALSO SEE:  Shoaib Akhtar slams PCB Management For Poor Team Handling

The BCCI plans to not let the players lose touch with Test cricket during the two-month-long IPL tournament, to be held between March 22 and May 25.
The very specifics of the plan have yet to be known.
However, preliminary discussions of this twin-track approach have already been made by prominent players from the Indian team management and BCCI planners in Dubai.
The BCCI's decision to keep players engaged with red-ball cricket during the IPL season is in response to India's recent Test performance.
The team has not won a single Test series in England recently. The trend features a 4-0 loss in 2011, a 3-1 loss in 2014, and a 4-1 loss in 2018.
India earned their first away Test series draw in England (2-2 in 2021). It was split due to COVID-19, with the last Test won by England a year later.

In the third One Day International (ODI) match between England and India at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, England's Jofra Archer was seen sleeping in the dugout during an ODI at Third ODI between England vs India (Fast bowler taking a nap dugout while the team batting) The amusing snap went viral on social media, with many fans laughing at how the experienced archer can sit out a high-intensity cricket match.

Archer hits a brilliant ball
Jofra Archer saw, of course, pictured resting although he was brillballing way to Archer for the crowd. With six wickets for just 40, he showed why it has been one of the finest bowling figures by an England player in an ODI. His bowling supported England in the game pretty well.

NAP TIME FOR JOFRA ARCHER 😄🔥 pic.twitter.com/ulU1V2VrsV

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 12, 2025

Archer takes a light nap caught by Indian fans
Initially, the video of Archer sleeping went viral, and responses from users on social media were not one way. Some found it hilarious and relatable but then others were simply impressed with his confidence. A lot of people said he is THAT great fast bowler because of his composure behind him, this wasn't even high pressure really.

ALSO READ: PAK vs SA Tri-series Live Streaming&: Where & How to Watch the Match Online & on TV
England Series Performances
England's comment on his bowling was a big factor in Archer's involvement. England have been playing to a plan with the pace and Archer proved his worth. His ability to combine relaxation with high-intensity bowling demonstrates his complex mindset of being at the very top level of the game.

India vs England LIVE SCORE, 3rd ODI: Having already clinched the ODI series, India aims to test their bench strength in the final ODI at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Wednesday. Players like Rishabh Pant and Arshdeep Singh, who have not yet featured in the series, will likely get a chance before the team heads to the ICC Champions Trophy.

Meanwhile, England will look to finish the series strong and build momentum heading into the ICC Champions Trophy next week.

India vs England 3rd ODI predicted playing XIs: India: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul/Rishabh Pant (WK), Axar Patel, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakarvarthy, Arshdeep Singh/Mohammed Shami

England: Ben Duckett, Phil Salt (WK), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler (C), Liam Livingstone, Jamie Overton, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood

India and England host their final One Day International (ODI) on February 12, 2025 today. The match will be held at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad and start at 1:30 PM IST (Indian Standard Time. England will get at least one win in the 3-match series as India have clinched first 2 ties and now looking to avoid sweeps by England. 

Match Details:

• Date: 12th February, 2025
• Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
• Time: 1:30 PM IST

Live Streaming:

IN INDIA:

TV Broadcast: Star Sports Network

• English Commentary:

• Star Sports 2
• Star Sports 2 HD
• Star Sports 3

• Hindi Commentary:

• Sports 18 1
• Sports 18 1 HD
• Colors Cineplex
• Colors Cineplex HD

• Online Streaming: Disney+ Hotstar (app and website)

In the United States and Canada

• TV Broadcast: Willow TV
• Online Streaming: Willow TV App

In the United Kingdom

• TV Broadcast: Sky Sports Cricket
• Online Streaming: Sky Go App

In Australia

• TV Broadcast: Fox Sports
• Online Streaming: Kayo Sports

ALSO READ:IND vs ENG 3rd ODI, Match Prediction- Who Will Win Today?

Highlights: India lead the series after victories in the opening two ODIs. Captain Rohit Sharma plundered 100 runs in the second game and gave the team a confidence boost. Fans are also looking forward to Virat Kohli who is bang on the other end of getting to 14,000 ODI runs. 

India ODI squad:

Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Varun Chakaravarthy.

England ODI squad:

Jos Buttler (c), Harry Brook, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Philip Salt, Jamie Smith, Jacob Bethell, Brydon Carse, Liam Livingstone, Jamie Overton, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Saqib Mahmood, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood.

IND vs ENG Match Preview

India won by four wickets to take a 2-0 lead in the ODI series, with only one game remaining in Ahmedabad. The series is currently serving as an excellent practice for the hosts as they prepare for the ICC Champions Trophy next month, whereas England's tour has been a disaster, with the team losing six of seven T20I and ODI matches. Both teams have form players, with India's captain Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Ravindra Jadeja standing out. Only Ben Duckett and Joe Root can be considered to be playing at the highest level in England.

IND vs ENG Match Details

India vs England – 3rd Match, ODI Match

Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad

Date & Time: 12th February 2025 at 01:30 PM IST 

Live Streaming: Disney+Hotstar

IND vs ENG Venue Stats

IND vs ENG Pitch Report

The pitch provides a well-balanced surface that will appeal to both batters and bowlers. Pacers can extract movement early on, especially under lights, while spinners improve with each game. 

IND vs ENG Weather Report

This has consistently been a good batting wicket, and we expect both teams to score high totals. The par score for batting first in this game will be around 320.

IND vs ENG Last Five Matches

IND vs ENG Head-to-Head Stats

Injury News

No Injury. Will be added when there is an update.

Also Read: PCB hits back at New Zealand over Rachin Ravindra's gruesome injury

IND vs ENG Probable Playing XIs:

England Probable Playing XIs

Philip Salt(w), Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler(c), Liam Livingstone, Jamie Overton, Gus Atkinson, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood, Saqib Mahmood

India Probable Playing XIs

Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Shami, Varun Chakravarthy

Topmost Picks for IND vs ENG Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – India

• Shubman Gill – Shubman Gill, India's opening batter, remains our top pick for the final ODI. He has fifties in both games. The 25-year-old opener will look to close out the series with another big score.
• Varun Chakravarthy – Varun Chakravarthy, in particular, could pose problems for England’s batsmen with his mix of googlies and leg-breaks.

Top Picks – England

• Joe Root – Joe Root, England's star batsman, scored a fifty in the 2nd ODI, surpassing Eoin Morgan as the player with the most fifty-plus performances for the team in ODI history. 
• Adil Rashid –  Adil Rashid, England's leg spinner, is the only player on the team to have taken wickets in both ODIs thus far. The experienced spinner has taken the most wickets for the team in the series, with three. The 36-year-old will be England's main weapon in Ahmedabad.

Suggested Playing XI N0.1 for IND vs ENG Dream11 Team:

Phil Salt, Joe Root, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma(C), Shreyas Iyer, Ben Duckett(VC), Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Mohammed Shami

Suggested Playing XI N0.2 for IND vs ENG Dream11 Team:

Phil Salt, Joe Root(VC), Virat Kohli(C), Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Saqib Mahmood, Harshit Rana

Captain and Vice-Captain Options:

Captain – Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma

Vice-captain – Ben Duckett, Joe Root

Wicketkeeper – Phil Salt

IND vs ENG Probable Winners:

Although India won both games with only four wickets remaining, they had plenty of balls in the locker and appeared to be a far more complete team that England under these conditions. We expect nothing to change in this game, and we predict another victory to give India a 3-0 series lead. Considering the team combination, India is expected to win this match.

India seal the series and England will be feeling the heat now. Their white-ball side has had its troubles in the last couple tournaments and their struggles against spin are evident. Struggles against spin will be highlighted even more now with the CT in Pakistan. India though will be happy to see Rohit Sharma back to his best in what is his best format. They will be hoping for something similar from Virat Kohli while Ravindra Jadeja has also come to the party in both games.

IND vs ENG Match Details

Date: February 12th, 2025

Time:  1:30 PM IST

Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad

IND vs ENG Weather Report

Occasional showers have been around but the weather should be nice, clean and dewy.

IND vs ENG Pitch Report

Ahmedabad is likely to spin but dew will also play a role. Batting second is a better choice.

IND vs ENG Predicted Playing XI

ENG Playing XI

Ben Duckett, Phil Salt, Joe Root Harry Brook, Jos Buttler, Liam Livingstone, Jacob Bethell, Brydon Carse,, Adil Rashid, Rehan Ahmed, Mark Wood/ Jofra Archer

IND Playing XI

Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul/ Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammad Shami, Arshdeep Singh/ Harshith Rana

See Also: Today’s Cricket Match Predictions – Cricket Winner

Key Players

Ravindra Jadeja

Jadeja's position is one which always comes under the scanner particularly with Axar Patel smelling him in the back. Jadeja though continues to deliver and the prospect of both Jadeja and Axar playing together does look good with both of them delivering.

Joe Root

Joe Root is often a forgotten quantity in white-ball Cricket. He was good in the SA20 and the ODI format is suited well to his game.

IND vs ENG Match Tips

England are struggling while India seem to be getting their pieces together well. 

Match Prediction: England Will Win The Match

Organ donation is considered as one of the noblest acts a person can do-it gives someone a second chance at living. Thousands of people wait for organ transplant every year, and this is a miracle in itself. You can be that miracle. Become one and pledge by giving your precious gift of Organ Donor February 12 Join organ donation campaign at iconic Narendra Modi stadium, Ahmedabad for pledges. Create awareness and inspiration to give. Save many more lives.

Why Should You Pledge to Donate?

• One donor can save up to eight lives. A single donation can provide vital organs like the heart, liver, kidneys, lungs, pancreas, and intestines to those in desperate need.
• Millions are waiting. India has a very acute shortage of organ donors, and several lives are lost because of a lack of available organs.
• Your legacy lives on. When you pledge to donate, you leave behind a legacy of kindness and hope.

Donate your organs and make a difference 👏

- A good initiative for the future generation. pic.twitter.com/sJNP29UJrt

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 10, 2025

Team India Supports the Cause!

Cricket fans are millions in India, and this time, our cricketing heroes are stepping up for a bigger cause. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Team India have asked fans to come forward and take the pledge. Their message is simple: “Donate organs, save lives.”

ALSO SEE:  Indian Batsmen with the Most Centuries After Turning 30

How Can You Participate?

1.  Visit Narendra Modi Stadium on February 12th
2.  Learn about the importance of organ donation from experts
3.  Pledge to be an organ donor and receive your donor card
4.  Spread the message and encourage friends and family to join

England suffered a major setback ahead of the Champions Trophy as promising all-rounder Jacob Bethell has been ruled out of the tournament due to a hamstring injury, skipper Jos Buttler has confirmed. "I'm pretty sure he's been ruled out of the Champions Trophy, to be honest, So, that's really disappointing for him. Obviously, he played nicely the other day and has been one of the really exciting players. So, it's a shame that the injury is going to rule him out" Buttler said after their  defeat to India in the second ODI in Cuttack . The deadline to submit the final squads for the Champions Trophy is Wednesday. 

🚨 JACOB BETHELL RULED OUT OF CHAMPIONS TROPHY 2025 🚨 pic.twitter.com/Xm3keCXQdU

— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) February 10, 2025

ALSO SEE :  Jasprit Bumrah’s Injury Update: BCCI Awaits Fitness Report for Champions Trophy

Impact on England's Squad :
With the loss of Bethell, the balance of their squad will again be questioned in England. This is because the player was highly useful with the bat and the ball in the middle order. The selectors are likely to announce a replacement soon, probably Liam Dawson or Will Jacks. Bethell was fantastic domestic cricketer in England. He proves to be a setback for his development personally, and he remains positive that he will make a strong comeback.

Looking Ahead for squad :
Now, attention turns to the Champions Trophy as England goes into adjustment in anticipation of the loss in the team. on its part, must get the balance right in the squad. Fans will anxiously see who steps into Bethell's slot, so to say.
Recovery will be the short-term goal for Bethell, but the amount of talent combined with determination will only result in Bethell bouncing back stronger in the future.

Indian cricket fans are very happy to see the skipper Rohit Sharma returning to form with the bat in the Cuttack ODI against England, which helped India to seal the three-match home ODI series even before the last game. While the right-handed opening batter scored a powerful century, he settled some top records in international cricket books. Here, we are discussing some key records from Rohit Sharma during the Cuttack ODI. 

During the Cuttack ODI against England, the visitors chose to bat first and scored 304 all out in 49.5 overs. Chasing down that target, Indian captain Rohit Sharma provided a firing start with his opening partner Shubman Gill as they set a 136-run partnership. Captain Rohit scored 50 runs in 30 balls and completed his 32nd ODI century in 76 balls. Before his dismissal, Rohit scored 119 off 90 balls with 12 fours and seven sixes. 

• Rohit Sharma surpassed Chris Gayle to become the second-most six-hitter in international cricket history. 

Batters with most sixes in international cricket

See Also: Former cricketers join party to celebrate Rohit Sharma's 32nd ODI century

• Rohit Sharma recorded his 32nd ODI century. He has continued his place in the third position in the list of most ODI centuries.

Most ODI centuries

• Rohit Sharma became the first captain to hit 250 international sixes.

Captains with the most international sixes

• Rohit moved to the fourth place in the list of most ODI sixes as a captain.

Captains with the most ODI sixes

• Surpassing Sachin Tendulkar (15335 runs), Rohit (15404 runs) climbed to second place in the list of most international runs by an Indian opener. Only Virender Sehwag (15758 runs) scored more international runs than Rohit as an Indian opener. 

Most international runs by Indian openers

• Rohit Sharma became the third Indian captain to score an ODI century against England. In fact, he recorded the second-highest ODI score by an Indian captain against England. 

Indian captains with ODI century against England

• With seven sixes in Cuttack ODI, Rohit recorded the joint most sixes by an Indian batter against England in an ODI innings. During the 2021 Pune ODI, Rishabh Pant smashed seven sixes against England while he scored 77 off 40 balls. 

Most sixes in an ODI innings by an Indian batter against England

• While the Indian captain Rohit hit seven sixes in the Cuttack ODI, it was the joint second-most sixes record in an ODI innings by a captain against England. 

Most sixes in an ODI innings by captains against England

Hosts India won the Cuttack ODI comfortably by four wickets to secure the three-match ODI series against the visitors England as they are leading it 2-0 with one match to go. After the Indian bowlers controlled the English batters, Indian captain Rohit Sharma's powerful century destroyed English hope. 

While England were trailing the ODI series by 1-0 before the Cuttack ODI, English captain Jos Buttler once again chose to bat first. England scored 304 all out in 49.5 overs, and India chased the target in 44.3 overs after losing six wickets. 

England batters lost wickets at key moments, Ravindra Jadeja and Shubman Gill were outstanding 

English openers once again provided a great as Phil Salt and Ben Duckett put up an 81-run partnership for the first wicket. Salt was dropped early by Axar Patel at deep point, while Duckett was in great touch in the powerplay. Duckett completed his 50 runs in 36 balls during the powerplay. Meanwhile, despite two fours and one six, Salt scored 26 off 29 balls before he lost his wicket to the ODI debutant Varun Chakravarthy, as the leg-spinner took the wicket in the first over of the second powerplay. 

After scoring 65 off 56 balls with the help of 10 fours, Ben Duckett lost his wicket in Ravindra Jadeja's first over of the match. In the second powerplay, Indian bowlers restricted boundaries with disciplined bowling, and it proved as a game-changer. 

Harry Brook and Joe Root had a 66-run partnership for the third wicket before Harshit Rana brought the breakthrough after dismissing Brook for 31 runs after Shubman Gill took an outstanding catch. 

Captain Jos Buttler and Joe Root set up another 51-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Root completed his half-century in 62 balls, while Buttler scored 34 runs before Hardik Pandya dismissed him after Gill's another incredible catch. In the key moment, Root lost his wicket to Jadeja after scoring 69 off 72 balls with six fours. 

Liam Livingston played a useful cameo of 41 off 32 balls (two fours and two sixes), but he hardly got support apart from Adil Rashid's 14 off five balls with three fours. 

Among the Indian bowlers, left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja was outstanding with bowling figures 10-1-35-3. Mohammed Shami (1/66), Harshit Rana (1/62), Hardik Pandya (1/53), and Varun Chakravarthy (1/54) also took one wicket each while the wicket-less Axar Patel also played a useful role with the ball in his six overs (0/32).

See Also: Former cricketers join party to celebrate Rohit Sharma's 32nd ODI century

Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill century partnership; Rohit Sharma's stormy century

Indian openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill provided a positive start as they set a strong tone in the challenging chasing. Rohit smashed every English bowler right from the second over of the innings, while Gill continued his natural confident batting. In the 6.1 overs, while India were batting at 48/0, floodlight failure stopped the game and took almost 35 minutes before resuming the game. 

The stoppage didn't make any difference as Rohit maintained his familiar aggressive form with the bat. Rohit completed his 50 in just 30 balls with four fours and six sixes, Gill scored 50 runs in 45 balls with seven fours and one six, and they had a strong 100-run partnership for the first wicket.

After their 136-run opening partnership, Jamie Overton bowled Gill with an outstanding yorker. Before that dismissal, Gill scored a fine 60 off 52 balls. Former Indian captain Virat Kohli returned to the game but failed to impress as he was caught behind in Adil Rashid's over after scoring only five runs.

However, Rohit Sharma maintained his firing approach, and Shreyas Iyer provided solid support. They had a 70-run partnership, where Rohit completed his 32nd ODI century in 76 balls with nine fours and seven sixes. After scoring 119 off 90 balls with 12 fours and seven sixes, the right-handed batter was dismissed by Liam Livingstone. 

Iyer and Axar Patel were comfortably guiding the hosts to the target but a big mix-up forced Iyer to get run out for 44 off 47 balls with three fours and one six. Although KL Rahul (10) and Hardik Pandya's (10) cheap dismissals could be called a little hiccup in the Indian team, it wasn't an issue as Patel and Ravindra Jadeja easily comfortably guided the team to the target. Patel scored 41 not out off 43 balls and Jadeja scored 11 not out off seven balls.

Among the English bowlers, only Jamie Overton managed to pick more than one wicket as he had the bowling figures of 5-0-27-2. Once again, the English bowling line-up failed to showcase any confidence.