And then they popped. Chasing 230, their brittle batting was ruthlessly exposed by outstanding opponents and they were bowled out for just 129. Six games in, India retain their 100% record and return to the top of the group; England remain rock bottom.
Although in the end the winning margin, precisely 100, was extremely comfortable, England had India worried for a while, which in the circumstances was something of a triumph. Four overs into their innings, with the openers looking solid and their target achievable, this heaving stadium on the outskirts of Lucknow had fallen silent. Twenty minutes later it was a riot of noise once again as, like Jericho, England's defences came tumbling down.
Over the past few weeks this team have made a habit of self-combustion but on this occasion they were simply outplayed. Not every defeat is a humiliation, though this tournament has certainly become one, and there was a miserable familiarity to their innings as it faltered and failed.
Dawid Malan was first to go, edging into his stumps. Joe Root lasted one ball, which arrowed low into his pads. Jasprit Bumrah was the bowler on both occasions, and if Malan was a little unlucky, Root was extraordinarily so to have such a delivery first up. The bat Root waved in annoyance when his review failed was no more useful than the one he had just wafted at the ball.
Denne historien er fra October 30, 2023-utgaven av The Guardian.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra October 30, 2023-utgaven av The Guardian.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Pension funds Can chancellor win investment boost with 'megafund'?
What is Rachel Reeves planning?
'I'd pay to play the Ryder Cup': McIlroy's barb at US fee plan
Rory McIlroy says he would pay to play in the Ryder Cup after it emerged that US team members could receive $400,000 each for competing against Europe in New York next year.
Borthwick denies feeling pressure to end losing streak
Steve Borthwick has insisted he is well equipped to block out the pressure of England's current plight after Rassie Erasmus suggested he is under the pump and may feel like he \"has a gun against his head\".
St Pauli quit X and hit out at 'hate machine'
St Pauli have become the first major football club to leave X, describing the social media site as a \"hate machine\", and expressing concern that it may influence the outcome of the forthcoming German election.
Scotland must revamp youth development to keep up, says Clarke
Head coach believes change must come from top as he prepares to face Croatia
Carsley relief as new-look England seize control of their destiny
It was the night when Lee Carsley dropped Harry Kane and came up smelling of roses, this a result not only to avenge the shapeless 2-1 Wembley defeat against Greece in October but to put England on the brink of automatic promotion back into the Nations League's A section.
'I like these challenges, I like being in constant change'
Mayra Ramírez has been on a steep learning curve since moving to Chelsea from Spain in January but would not have it any other way, she tells Suzanne Wrack
Thousands back fight for girls' toilets at local clubs
A coach has sparked a grassroots movement to improve inclusivity in football: by demanding that toilets are opened for girls.
Tyson happy for money to talk amid mayhem
Despite all the hype, veteran knows there is nothing new to say before the charade of his fight with a YouTube star
Raducanu in discussions to hire renowned fitness trainer Nakamura
Former US Open champion has struggled with series of injuries throughout career