Joe Root Returns to England XI for 1st ODI Against India
England has named the starting XI for the first ODI match against India, which will be held on February 6 in Nagpur. After that, the teams will play each other twice more within six days before heading to the ICC CT 2025.
Final Stage of Preparations
For both India and England, the ODI clash will be the final stage of preparation for one of the most prestigious cricket tournaments in the world. England will play their matches in Pakistan, while India will meet with their opponents in Dubai. The face-offs against the Three Lions will allow the team to work on tactical interactions, increase concentration, and confirm the final squad for CT 2025.
Joe Root Returns
The return of Joe Root should mark the starting XI of the England team. This leading Test run-scorer for Three Lions will play his first ODI match since 2023. Including the player in the squad adds a decent spin-bowling option. Captain Jos Buttler can already rely on Adil Rashid, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, and Saqib Mahmood.
Here’s who has entered the England XI for the first ODI match:
- Jofra Archer (fast bowler);
- Jacob Bethell (all-rounder);
- Harry Brook (middle-order batter);
- Jos Buttler (wicketkeeper-batter and captain);
- Brydon Carse (fast bowler);
- Ben Duckett (opening batter);
- Liam Livingstone (all-rounder);
- Saqib Mahmood (fast bowler);
- Adil Rashid (spinner);
- Joe Root (middle-order batter);
- Phil Salt (wicketkeeper-batter).
It may be recalled that India and England recently played a five-match T20I series in which the hosts won 4-1. Despite the ODI clash being an important stage of preparation for CT 2025, the Three Lions will surely try to get some winning results as well to prove the randomness of recent losses.
