What constitutes a good total in 50-over cricket? You would argue that 250 is competitive, push 300 and you’re in the driving seat. 359, and surely it’s nailed on? Not if you’re facing India at the moment, after their opening batsmen humbled Australia, chasing down 359 in 43.3 overs in Jaipur.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma both reached three figures, and Shikhar Dhawan wasn’t far behind, his being the sole wicket to fall, caught behind off Faulkner.  Quite the statement from the hosts, to be sure. This dismantling was the second highest run chase in ODI history, and India’s highest ever. 

It also provokes in interesting discussion, do India now pose more of a threat to England than Australia? The upcoming Ashes series will the focus of attention for England’s cricketers, but this will raise a few alarm bells a little earlier than expected.

India arrive in England next July as the summer’s landmark series. Five tests, five ODIs and a t20 series that will pit the batting strength of India against arguably the best pace attack in the world. 

This result highlighted India’s batting strength, but also the frailty of Australia’s limited-overs attack. Kohli, Dhawan and Sharma all punished wayward deliveries, taking boundaries when offered width, and the Australians offered little resistance to an exhibition in stroke play.

Is it enough to have England worrying? It may well be, given that Australia ended this summer’s ODI series 2-1 winners.  Given that Ravi Bopara, James Tredwell and Joe Root all contributed with the ball in this summer’s ODI series against Australia, India’s top order may well pose a bigger threat than Philip Hughes, Aaron Finch and Shane Watson.

England’s biggest ally next summer against the Indian batsmen will be the weather, and green pitches. Turn up to play them on dry tracks laden with hundreds of runs, it’ll be a one-horse race, but add in the unpredictability of British weather and there’s a little more excitement.

India arrive in Nottingham for both the first Investec Test in July, and will return on the penultimate day of August for the third ODI. Given that British summer tends to last about as long as a first innings batting collapse, there’s every chance that a little dew, mist or cloud could give England the advantage they need. Either way, it’ll make for compulsive viewing.

2014 International Hospitality Prices

England v India - Investec Test Match - Wednesday 9 - Sunday 13 July
All packages include:
Morning coffee and pastries on arrival 
Glass of bubbly prior to lunch 
4 course lunch with wine and coffee 
Afternoon tea with tea time treats 
Complimentary bar (excludes Champagne) 
Souvenir programme & gift 
Car parking based on 1 per 4 guests 

Days 1, 2 & 3
12 & 24 seat private suites - SOLD OUT
Derek Randall Suite - Shared hospitality facility with seats in the Hound Road Lower - £365 +vat per person per day
Boundary's Edge with balcony access - Shared hospitality lounge with a balcony seat - £385 +vat per person per day (Not available on day 3)
Boundary's edge with stand access - Shared hospitality lounge with a Radcliffe Road middle tier seat - £345 +vat per person per day (Not available on day 3)
Sobers Hall - Shared hospitality lounge with a Radcliffe Road middle tier seat - £295 +vat per person per day 

Day 4
12 & 24 seat private suites - £4,000 / £8,000 +vat
Derek Randall Suite - Shared hospitality facility with seats in the Hound Road Lower - £325 +vat per person per day
Boundary's Edge with balcony access - Shared hospitality lounge with a balcony seat - £345 +vat per person per day 
Boundary's edge with stand access - Shared hospitality lounge with a Radcliffe Road middle tier seat - £305 +vat per person per day 

England v India - One Day International
Saturday 30 August 
All packages include:
Tea, coffee and breakfast nibbles on arrival 
3 course lunch with wine and coffee 
Afternoon tea with tea time treats served during the 2nd innings 
Complimentary bar (excludes Champagne) 
Souvenir programme & gift 
Car parking based on 1 per 4 guests 

12 & 24 seat private suites - £4,000 / £8,000 +vat
Derek Randall Suite - Shared hospitality facility with seats in the Hound Road Lower - £325 +vat per person per day
Boundary's Edge with balcony access - Shared hospitality lounge with a balcony seat - £345 +vat per person per day 
Boundary's edge with stand access - Shared hospitality lounge with a Radcliffe Road middle tier seat - £305 +vat per person per day 

Hospitality hotline: 0844 8118712