Star batter Joe Root is finally set to play an ODI after 15 months as England have announced their squad for the first ODI against India to be played at the Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA) Stadium in Nagpur, on February 6. Under Jos Buttler, England will strive to win their first ODI series on India’s soil after 40 years. Riding on David Gower’s superb captaincy skills, the English side handed a 4-1 defeat to the Sunil Gavaskar-led home team and registered their maiden white-ball series win in the sub-continent country.
England’s 11-member squad includes Jofra Archer, who will be spearheading the pace attack. Speedsters Sqib Mahmood and Brydon Carse will accompany the 29-year-old. Adil Rashid and Liam Livingstone will assist the spin department with their prowess and experience. As Nagpur’s surface is known for assisting spinners, veteran Rashid might create an impact for the visitors. Talking about the 2019 World Cup champions’ batting unit, Phil Salt and Ben Duckett will kick off England’s batting innings and they will be expected to deliver explosive starts to the team. Both openers will be supported by veteran Root, who will bat in the number three spot. Following top-order batters, Harry Brook, skipper Jos Buttler, Liam Livingstone, and Jacob Bethell will step up in the middle order.
Taking to X, England Cricket declared their side's playing XI for the Nagpur ODI. Their post read, "For the first time since 2023... Joe Root is back in ODI colours. Your England team to face India tomorrow."
Joe Root returns to the ODI setup
Veteran Joe Root will don his national side’s colourful jersey after 15 months as he is handed the responsibility to strengthen the English side’s top-order. Along with Salt and Duckett, Root will look to serve the team efficiently at number three and make his comeback a success. He was a part of England’s miserable World Cup 2023 campaign. The right-handed batter played his last ODI against Pakistan at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
The 34-year-old’s performance in the ongoing SA20 League 2024-25 helped him gain the spot in England’s playing XI against the Men in Blue. Exuding confidence with his bat for Paarl Royals, he notched up 279 runs with three half-centuries in eight matches at a fine strike rate of 140.80. The numbers also made him the second-leading run-getter for the Royals in the season.
England's playing XI for 1st ODI vs India: Phil Salt (wk), Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler (c), Liam Livingstone, Jacob Bethell, Byrdon Carse, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Saqib Mahmood
