
Joe Root and Jos Buttler. (Photo Source: Matthew Lewis-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)
The Three Lions have announced their playing combination for the first ODI of the three-match series against India. The game is set to be played at the VCA Stadium in Nagpur on Thursday, February 06, and will see star batter Joe Root returning to One-Day action after a prolonged gap.
Like the T20I series, where they lost 1-4, the visitors have retained the opening combination, while Root will complete the top-order in the unit. At no. 4 will be Harry Brook, who is yet to prove himself in the format in subcontinent conditions. England skipper Jos Buttler will bat at five, however, his duty behind the wickets as a wicketkeeper remains uncertain, and it is safe to assume that Salt will be designated the role in his lieu.
The lower-middle order will be taken care of by all-rounder Liam Livingstone and Brydon Carse, with Jacob Bethell also expected to play the finisher’s role with the bat, while Carse will be taking responsibilities as one of the pacers as well. Alongside him will be Jofra Archer and Saqib Mahmood, whereas, the seasoned campaigner Adil Rashid, is the only specialist spinner in the line-up. However, Root may be utilized as one of the spinners, with Livingstone also set to roll his arm over for a fair bit of England’s bowling.
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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