ODI cricket reclaims its glory

The World Cup has proved that a T20 approach to the 50-over game does not work. This is why India is thriving

- Sumit Chakraberty

Virat Kohli’s masterclass in the demolition of South Africa at the Eden Gardens. Pakistan’s stunning 200 for 1 in 25.3 overs to win by the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method over New Zealand. Defending champions England enduring a nightmare tournament. Each of these highlights of the World Cup so far hold secrets that will define success or failure in the knockout stages. Here are five counterintuitive insights.

ENGLAND'S AGGRESSION COMES UNSTUCK

The biggest story of the World Cup is the sinking of the defending champions to the lowest position in the league. Nobody can quite put a finger on it, with vice-captain Moeen Ali calling for a reboot of an ageing side to return to a fearless approach.

But that doesn’t begin to describe the whole picture. England enjoyed series wins over New Zealand, Bangladesh and Ireland heading into the World Cup. If anything, it is their hyper-aggressive approach coming unstuck in Indian conditions, that has led to confusion and disarray.

This was evident in the World Cup opener on 5 October against New Zealand. England went merrily along at a run a ball, but lost too many wickets in the middle overs, to finish below 300. The batsmen failed to adapt to an Ahmedabad pitch getting tackier under a hot sun, and none of them carried on to a big score after getting set.