The wheels have well and truly come off for England's ODI aspirations after they suffered a six-wicket defeat at the hands of India in the series opener at Edgbaston. A crushing blow, and one that leaves a lot to ponder for captain Harry Brook and head coach Brendon McCullum, as they reflect on their selection decisions and tactics.
The English top order got off to a flyer, putting on 61 for no loss before imploding in spectacular fashion - six wickets fell for the meagre return of just 46 runs. The damage was done, and England found themselves reeling at 107 for six. But Dawson's gritty 68 off 83 balls and an unbeaten 76 from Joe Root injected some much-needed life into the innings.
However, it was too little, too late as India's clinical bowling unit wrapped up England's total inside the 48th over. And in response, their batting proved equally formidable - anchored by Shubman Gill's masterful 80 before he retired hurt due to cramp. But when the chips were down, all-rounders Axar Patel (57 not out from 52 balls) and Washington Sundar (52 not out from 63 balls) batted with composure, securing victory with an unbeaten century partnership.
This defeat sees England's ODI woes continue to mount - their 13th loss since Brendon McCullum took the reins of white-ball cricket. In stark contrast, they've managed just six victories in that same period, including three against the West Indies. The team's slide down to eighth in the global rankings will be a source of concern for fans and coaches alike.
But India will take heart from their triumph - a welcome boost after their chastening 4-0 defeat in the preceding T20 series. Their bowling unit, marshalled with precision by Gill, and their batting, led by Patel and Sundar's composed efforts, show they're more than capable of giving England a run for their money on home soil.