Ahead of the ODI series between India and England, the ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board) took centre stage and announced their playing XI for the first ODI against India. It is worth noting that India and England will lock horns in the first ODI at the VCA Stadium in Nagpur on Thursday, February 6.
With the likes of Jos Buttler, Phil Salt, Liam Livingstone, and many other stars in the lineup, the inclusion of ace batter Joe Root has raised many eyebrows. The star batter has made his return to ODI cricket for the first time since 2023.
Root’s inclusion could be a move that the board deemed necessary considering the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 and England’s need for a batter who can anchor the innings for the side. Recently, England skipper Jos Buttler also came forward and talked about Root’s importance in the ODI set-up and how excited he was to see the 34-year-old in action once again.
“I am excited to see him in this phase of his career—look at what he’s done in Tests when he’s not had the captaincy; he’s back with that cheeky smile on his face and really enjoying his cricket. I am expecting him to do exactly the same in this environment,” Buttler told the press.
“He has got loads of experience in ODI cricket, which will be great for some of the guys who haven’t played as much in our group. He’s been a vital player for England in all formats, and we really feel like he’s got a crucial role for us to play in these games,” he added.
Coming on the back of a 4-1 defeat in the T20I series, Jos Buttler’s men will seek redemption in the next three ODI matches and will hope that the games will be good preparation ahead of the Champions Trophy.
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England playing XI
Ben Duckett, Phil Salt, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler, Liam Livingstone, Jacob Bethell, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Saqib Mahmood
