England moved 2-1 up in the series after a comprehensive eight wicket victory against India at Ahmedabad on Tuesday.

India never recovered from 86-5 despite a brilliant unbeaten 77 from Virat Kohli. Requiring 156 for victory, England cruised to their target thanks to a brilliant unbeaten 83 off 52 balls from Jos Buttler.

Wood comes in for Tom Curran

England made one change going into the game with Mark Wood coming in for Surrey’s Tom Curran.

The visitors won the toss and as is the norm at this ground decided to insert the competition.

KL Rahull- who has struggled throughout this series- failed once again. The opener went for a duck after being comprehensively bowled by Wood. The Durham seamer was almost unplayable in his short opening spell and struck once again to have Rohit Sharma(15) caught at fine leg.

Kishan fails after promising debut

Youngster Ishan Kishan- who made a sensational debut in the previous T20- edged behind off Chris Jordan’s first over. India were struggling with the scoreboard showing 24-3 after six overs.

It was down to the experienced heads of Rishabh Pant and Kohli to steer the hosts out of trouble. The pair added 40 for the fourth wicket before Pant(25) was run out going for an unlikely run.

England well in control

By the time Wood returned back for his second spell and had Shreyas(9) caught at deep point, England were in control.

However, they hadn’t bargained for the Indian Captain rescuing the hosts. Kohli’s brilliant knock of 77 off 46 balls enabled India to post a total of 156-6 in their 20 overs. England’s bowlers were despatched to all areas of the ground as they went for 69 runs in the last five overs.

England lost Jason Roy(9) reverse sweeping leg spinner Chahal’s third delivery. But whatever Kohli can do then Jos Buttler can do the same. After the six over powerplay he had helped England to 57-1 of which he had added 43 runs.

Malan and Buttler give England solid start

Along with Dawid Malan the pair added 58 for the second wicket before Malan(18) danced down the track and was stumped by Washington Sundar.

At the halfway stage the visitors were in pole position on 83-2. Buttler continued to release a variety of shots to steer England to victory. India’s fielding hasn’t been the best seen in the series.

The Indian Captain Kohli dropped Buttler on 76 and Bairstow also profited by India’s slack fielding when he was put down on 20.

Comfortable win for England

England cantered to their target of 157 with Buttler making 83 off 52 balls. Buttler also received excellent support from Bairstow who finished unbeaten on 40 to see England over the line.

The fourth T20 international will be back at Ahmedabad on Thursday, with India having it all to do.