Uphill battle for England after Rajkot horror

England were absolutely battered by India in the opening one-day international in Rajkot on Friday and though there are still six matches still to play, their chances of coming out on top already look slim, to say the least.

There isn't a side in the world that can afford to let India make 387 and expect to overhaul them and it was no surprise to see England fold for 229.

Only skipper Kevin Pietersen and Ravi Bopara, tipped by his captain as one to watch in this series, came out of the match with any credit for England, so they have plenty to do to pick themselves up for the second match.

Fortunately, as you'd expect in a one-day series, there is not much time between matches, and the second ODI is to be played on Monday.

One-day cricket is awfully unpredictable but India and England appear to be separated by a void right now and the chances of England overturning this to win the series appear very slim, with bet365 making them 4/1 to win it, while the home side are now 1/7.

India are just 2/5 to win the second match, with England 7/4. I'll have a full preview of that match in the next 24 hours.