Root returns! England announce XI for 1st ODI against India
What's the story
The England cricket team has announced its Playing XI for the first match of the three-match ODI series against India. The match will be held at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur on Thursday, February 6. The team's announcement marks the return of star batter Joe Root to the ODI setup. He is expected to bolster England, who have been struggling against spin-bowling. Here's more.
Team composition
Root to bolster England's top order
England has opted to stick with their T20I series opening combination, where they lost 1-4. Root will bolster the team's top order at number three. The number four spot will be filled by Harry Brook, who hasn't yet found his feet in subcontinent conditions. England's captain Jos Buttler will further solidify the middle order at number five.
Strategy
Lower middle order and bowling attack
The lower middle order will be handled by Liam Livingstone and Brydon Carse. Jacob Bethell is also expected to play a key role with the bat. Carse will also assist Jofra Archer and Saqib Mahmood in the pace department. Adil Rashid is the only specialist spinner, however, Root could also be utilized as a spinner. Spinner Livingstone is also expected to play a major role in England's bowling.
Twitter Post
England's Playing XI
For the first time since 2023... Joe Root is back in ODI colours 😍
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) February 5, 2025
Your England team to face India tomorrow 🔜 pic.twitter.com/M7AEPCPpxk
Information
Root's remarkable ODI stats
Root, who last played an ODI for England during the 2023 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, lends valuable experience to the side. He has an impressive ODI record, having scored more than 6,500 runs in 171 matches at an average of 47.60. His contributions include 16 centuries and 39 half-centuries.
Record
India vs England: Head-to-head record
India and England share a rich history, having clashed in 107 ODIs. The Men in Blue have won 58 games while England own 44 wins. Two matches have ended in a tie (NR: 3). At home, the hosts have won 34 of the 52 ODIs against the Brits while losing 17 (NR: 1). In ODIs, the two teams last met in the 2023 WC.