Gurnoor Brar turned the game on its head with two wickets in two deliveries, providing India with the breakthrough they desperately needed in the first ODI against England at Edgbaston. After England’s openers dominated the early exchanges, Brar’s double strike shifted the momentum back in India’s favor, reducing the hosts to 63/2 in 12.4 overs. At that stage, Joe Root walked to the crease with England’s scoring rate dipping to 4.97 runs per over.

Ben Duckett looked in sublime touch during his fluent knock of 43 off 45 deliveries, smashing six boundaries and two towering sixes to put India’s bowling attack under pressure. Although Gurnoor leaked runs early in his spell, the young left-arm pacer showed excellent character to bounce back when his team needed him the most.
WATCH – Gurnoor Brar Throws Ball at Ben Duckett After Heated Banter In England ODI
Brar struck first by dismissing Jacob Bethell in the 12th over. The left-hander attempted to pull a delivery that held up slightly off the surface but failed to generate enough power or placement. Washington Sundar judged the catch brilliantly, sprinting in from the deep before completing a superb low catch. Bethell departed after scoring 14 runs from 31 balls, ending England’s promising 58-run opening partnership.
Gurnoor Brar is turning it on in Birmingham! 🌪️🔥
He sends back both the English openers in a single over to completely shatter the hosts’ momentum! 💥🇮🇳#ENGvIND 1st ODI 👉Streaming LIVE on JioHotstar! pic.twitter.com/wRZzPvvdKP
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) July 14, 2026
Just two deliveries later, Brar produced another crucial breakthrough by removing the dangerous Duckett. Bowling a fuller delivery outside the off stump, he tempted the England opener into an aggressive drive. Duckett failed to keep the shot down, and Jasprit Bumrah made no mistake at cover-point, safely pouching the catch to send the in-form batter back to the pavilion.
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The twin strikes completely changed the complexion of the contest. England had raced along at nearly six runs an over during the opening phase, with Duckett leading the charge and attacking Brar in particular. However, the youngster’s ability to respond under pressure showcased his temperament and gave India renewed hope of tightening their grip on the innings.
With Joe Root now at the crease and England rebuilding after the early setbacks, India will look to capitalize on Brar’s game-changing spell and seize complete control of the first ODI.
