Sharma says India must learn from England loss

Rohit Sharma admitted there were “lessons” to be learnt from England’s bowlers after India suffered their first defeat of this World Cup against hosts. Sharma hit 102 -- his third century of the tournament -- but India fell short of their 338-run target in 31-run loss.

Jonny Bairstow led England’s charge with his 111 off 109 balls to set up an England victory that got them a step closer to booking a semi-finals berth. Bowlers led by Chris Woakes then bowled a disciplined line to choke India in the final overs despite a 138-run second-wicket stand between Sharma and skipper Virat Kohli.

“They played better cricket throughout this match. While batting they had not one but three partnerships. On other side we had only one big partnership,” Sharma said after India’s first loss in seven matches. “They mixed the short ball and the slower ball and forced us to hit at the longer boundaries which was a lesson for us for our next game.”

India need to win one of their remaining two group matches to clinch their semi-final berth, with their next clash against Bangladesh slated for Tuesday back in Birmingham.