Indian batsman Shikhar Dhawan on Tuesday missed a century by two runs during the first of the three-match ODI series between India and England at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. The 35-year-old opener added 98 runs to India’s scoreboard off 106 balls, including 11 boundaries and four sixes. He was dismissed by England’s Ben Stokes.

Dhawan, who failed to make an impact in the first T20 in Ahmedabad before warming the benches in the remaining two games that India won, is going to be the focus of this series.

Also read: 1st ODI: Virat Kohli, Shikhar Dhawan half-centuries put India on top

With the India team spoilt for choices for the opening slot with names such as Shubman Gill (In squad) and Prithvi Shaw (Outside), Dhawan would look forward to re-establishing his position. 

He opened the innings along with seasoned campaigner Rohit Sharma, who was in blistering form in the T20 series and is expected to carry on in the same vein.

Also read: Can Virat Kohli and India give England the perfect send-off in ODI series?

The ODI format gives Dhawan the time he needs to build his innings. With loads of experience under his belt, the Delhi batsman well returned to form on Tuesday.

For the Indian team, the series would be an extension of its preparations for the T20 World Cup later this year.

The three-match ODI series will be played until Sunday.