The Prague Post - Archer stars as England dismiss India for 233 in 2nd ODI

India, the world's top-ranked ODI side, looked set for a score in excess of 300 when Virat Kohli (65) and Shreyas Iyer (66) were at the crease together.

But a revamped England attack used the short ball to good effect to seize back the initiative at Sophia Gardens.

India, who had been 178-3, lost their last seven wickets for 55 runs as they were bowled out with six overs remaining.

Fast bowler Archer took 3-47 from his 10 overs as England looked to level this three-match series following a six-wicket defeat in the first match at Edgbaston on Tuesday.

India captain Shubman Gill, fresh from his 80 in Birmingham, drove and square-cut Archer for two fours in successive deliveries after England skipper Harry Brook won the toss.

But he was out for 31 when his powerful drive off Gus Atkinson, recalled together with Saqib Mahmood to bolster England's pace attack, was well caught by Ben Duckett at cover.

Kohli has already retired from Test and T20 international cricket and this series could be the last time the legendary 37-year-old represents India in Britain.

He showed his class by driving Sam Curran down the ground for four to bring up a run-a-ball fifty as chants of "Kohli, Kohli, Kohli" echoed round the ground.

Iyer was dropped on 25 when he flicked Atkinson off his pads and Duckett, running round from deep square leg, floored a tough chance.

Soon afterwards, he drove leg-spinner Adil Rashid for a soaring straight six.

England, however, dismissed Kohli when a top edge off Archer flew to Rashid at third man.

Washington Sundar also fell to a short ball, miscuing a hook off Mahmood, before Archer struck with successive deliveries to reduce India to 193-7.

Axar Patel was caught behind off a attempted ramp and Shivam Dube drove a fuller-length delivery straight back to Archer.

Iyer's casual hook for six off Archer saw him to a 42-ball fifty.

But Iyer fell tamely, caught behind off Atkinson, who finished with 3-50 when he bowled Prasidh Krishna to end the innings.

D.Dvorak--TPP