India, July 2 -- India did not get the victory they badly needed after the Ireland humiliation, but the first T20I against England still offered a much-needed change in mood. The match at Chester-le-Street was abandoned due to rain before England could begin their chase of 190, leaving the five-match series at 0-0. Yet for India, the batting effort carried enough signs of recovery to matter.

After winning the toss and choosing to bat first, India were immediately pushed into familiar danger. Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan fell inside the first two overs, leaving the visitors struggling at 6/2. After the recent Ireland setback, that start could easily have reopened the same concerns around panic, soft dismissals and lack of batting directi...