INDIA FANS IN EDGBASTON TAKEOVER

ENGLAND’S players will face a further test of their focus when they take on India at Edgbaston — with more than half of those present set to be cheering on Virat Kohli’s side. On Monday, members of Eoin Morgan’s team were involved in a series of exchanges with Pakistan supporters during their defeat at Trent Bridge. The crowd in Nottingham was predominantly behind the hosts — but that will not be the case when they head across the Midlands for their penultimate round-robin clash. Close to 55 per cent of tickets for the Birmingham fixture on June 30 have been snapped up by fans of India, compared to just 42 per cent by England supporters. That means around 13,500 present at the 24,500-capacity venue will be backing the visitors, compared to about 10,300 rooting for England. Tickets for the fixture are in huge demand on the black market, with the cheapest going for around £560. During Pakistan’s innings at Trent Bridge, Chris Woakes shushed a group of their noisy supporters after he took the first of his four catches, with umpire Marais Erasmus telling England to take their celebrations away from the boundary. Jason Roy then dropped a catch at long-off, sending those backing the victors wild. The noise is set to get louder at Edgbaston. India take on arch rivals Pakistan at Old Trafford on June 16 and will again enjoy the bulk of support with 66.6 per cent of tickets sold to India supporters compared to just 18.1 per cent to Pakistan. Supporters from 124 different countries have bought tickets for the tournament.