BIRMINGHAM: Rohit Sharma admitted there were “lessons” to be learnt from England’s bowlers after India suffered their first defeat of this World Cup against the hosts on Sunday.

Sharma hit 102 but India fell short of their 338-run target in 31-run loss at Edgbaston.

“They [England] played better cricket throughout this match. While batting they had not one but three partnerships. On the other side we had only one big partnership,” Sharma told reporters 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.

Virat Kohli’s side looked capable of making a record World Cup run chase at 198 for two from 36 overs, only to lose the plot in the last 10 overs.

England paceman Liam Plunkett took three key wickets, including the prized scalp of Kohli for 66.

Woakes struck early to send back KL Rahul trudging back to the pavilion for nought and later cut short Sharma’s innings in the 37th over.

“Losing an early wicket always puts you under pressure, and we lost KL right at the start, and they bowled pretty well in the first 10 overs,” said Sharma.

Published in Dawn, July 2nd, 2019