England’s cricket team has confirmed its playing XI for the much-awaited first game of the three-match ODI series against India, which will be held on February 6 in Nagpur. Notably, a major highlight from the list of announced players is the return of the veteran batsman Joe Root, who hasn’t been in the ODI team since November 2023.
Joe Root to Join the ODI Team
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He steps back into the ODI team for the first time in over a year, given that he last played cricket for England in their ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 campaign. This time around, the 32-year-old is expected to fill a slot in the batting order and looks destined to resume his slot at number three when England faces India in the first ODI.
England’s Opening Pair and Middle Order:
The opening combination will again be the responsibility of Phil Salt and Ben Duckett, who have been consistent in the top order lately. The batting strength will also be experienced in the middle order with the presence of captain Jos Buttler, who is expected to bat at number five. Buttler, a seasoned campaigner in limited-overs cricket, would look to give leadership and aggression as the focal point of his team.
It is actually the job for the younger set of energetic batting trio in form of Harry Brook, Liam Livingstone, and Joe Root will be seen working to add heft to this middle order of the side.
Livingstone had been more the aggressive one before the international version, but all of his credentials have not even been tried while Brook was expected to get game time, considering his skills from the early international version.
When it comes to bowling, England will field a balanced attack, with both pace and spin options. The pace department will be spearheaded by Jofra Archer, who has returned to the squad after a period of injury-related absences.
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Archer’s pace and accuracy will be crucial in challenging India’s formidable batting lineup. Alongside him, Saqib Mahmood will provide further pace and support, adding depth to the bowling options.
In the spin department, Adil Rashid will be England’s go-to man. His variations, particularly in the middle overs, are crucial in pegging back India’s run rate and breaking those big partnerships. Shakib Mahmood and Mark Wood have been added to the side, which gives England much-needed pace and experience.
England’s Full Playing XI
The full playing XI for the first ODI against India is as follows:
– Phil Salt (wk):
– Jos Buttler (c):
– Ben Duckett:
– Joe Root:
– Harry Brook:
– Liam Livingstone:
– Jacob Bethell:
– Brydon Carse:
– Adil Rashid:
– Jofra Archer:
– Saqib Mahmood:
As they get ready to take the first ODI, they will be hosting a strong Indian side that has been in great form, yet England shall certainly be buoyed by the return of most key players like Joe Root and Jofra Archer.
This could create a significant challenge for India on both bat and ball fronts. The match, scheduled in Nagpur, will also become the first ODI between both teams, making it even more thrilling due to its high entertainment value.
England has already come through the T20 series at the hands of India 4-1 but should put up a firm struggle with the senior team out, and come what may, they would be seen desperately fighting for an early start in the series in the first match.
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