India series whitewash now looks increasingly likely against England

England appear to have blown their best opportunity for a victory in India and now there is certainly the belief that the hosts will go on to triumph in the one-day series 5-0.

It is now just 5/4 in the cricket odds that India complete the whitewash, in what is an amazing reversal of form from earlier this summer when England proved unbeatable.

Although the series is already over, England still have pride to play for and victories in the final two games would mean they can return home with something to build upon and take heart from.

However, it should prove a case as business as usual for India in the fourth one-day showdown at the Wankhede Stadium.

India have only played once at the venue since it underwent a major renovation and this game will evoke fond memories as it was the World Cup final victory over Sri Lanka.

And it is largely expected that the grounds staff will prepare the pitch in a similar fashion to ensure that it is best suited to the Indian bowling attack.

The quality of spin bowling is almost certain to dictate proceedings, with the pitch liable to favour spin and slow bowling in general.

This would make it largely similar to the opening one-day encounter at Hyderabad, where England were undone by the canny bowling of Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin.

Between them the duo finished with figures of 6-69 and they could prove particularly destructive if England end up batting second in chase of a large total.

It is 8/15 that India win the fourth one-day clash with England, with Alastair Cook’s men 6/4 to claim a rare victory and reduce their series arrears.

The fifth and final one-day clash takes place on Tuesday in Kolkata.