Joe Root's Comeback: England Faces India in ODI Showdown

As England gears up for the first One Day International (ODI) against India in Nagpur, all eyes are on Joe Root, who makes his return to the format after a hiatus following the 2023 World Cup. At 34 years old, Root has been named to bat at number three, a pivotal position in the lineup, joining openers Phil Salt and Ben Duckett as the team aims to bounce back from recent setbacks.

England's XI:

1. Phil Salt (wk)
2. Ben Duckett
3. Joe Root
4. Harry Brook
5. Jos Buttler (c)
6. Liam Livingstone
7. Jacob Bethell
8. Brydon Carse
9. Jofra Archer
10. Adil Rashid
11. Saqib Mahmood

In a strategic decision, Jacob Bethell has been chosen over Jamie Overton for the number seven spot. England's attack will lean on the pace trio of Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, and Saqib Mahmood, while Jamie Smith is sidelined due to a calf injury.

This three-match series not only serves as a vital buildup to the Champions Trophy next month but also as a new chapter under coach Brendon McCullum, following a recent string of losses in ODI formats, including a 4-1 defeat in T20s against India. Root's last ODI appearance was a disappointing end to England’s 2023 World Cup campaign against Pakistan on November 11, 2023.

Joe Root, second on England's all-time list for ODI run-scorers, with 4,535 runs — a gap of 435 runs behind former captain Eoin Morgan — is setting his sights on regaining form. Since the triumph in the 2019 World Cup, he has faced challenges in maintaining consistency, averaging 28.95 in 28 matches, without a century since that memorable unbeaten 100 against the West Indies.

Captain Jos Buttler expressed his enthusiasm for Root’s comeback, underscoring his significance to the team. "He is one of the great players of the game in all formats. I have no doubt he will rise to the challenge and bring his vibrant spirit into this lineup," Buttler stated, expressing confidence in their aggressive strategy, despite the unwanted streak of losses.

As the squad prepares for the challenge against a robust Indian side, fans eagerly await to see if this match can set the tone for a victorious series.

Get ready for the match set to commence at 08:00 GMT, as both teams vie for supremacy in this electrifying encounter!