England have officially revealed its playing XI for the first ODI against India, set to take place at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur. The highlight of the squad is the return of Joe Root to the ODI format for the first time since the 2023 World Cup. His inclusion is expected to bring stability to the batting lineup, especially after England’s disappointing performance in the T20I series, where they suffered a 4-1 defeat.

The team management is keen to make amends in the 50-over format and fine-tune their combination ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which will be held in Pakistan. This ODI series presents a crucial opportunity for England to test their balance, address weaknesses, and regain momentum in white-ball cricket. With a mix of experienced campaigners and fresh faces, the visitors will look to put up a strong fight against a dominant Indian side on their home soil.

Joe Root’s return strengthens England’s middle order 

The biggest talking point of England’s playing XI is the return of Joe Root, who last played an ODI during the 2023 World Cup. His absence from the format has been notable, and England is looking to reintegrate him ahead of major tournaments. Root, known for his ability to anchor the innings and rotate strike effectively, will provide much-needed stability to a batting lineup that struggled in the T20I series.

Skipper Jos Buttler, who has been under pressure for his leadership and form, will be keen to step up, while Ben Duckett and Phil Salt have been entrusted with opening responsibilities. This decision comes after England experimented with different combinations in the shorter format but failed to find consistency. Liam Livingstone and young all-rounder Jacob Bethell add firepower in the middle order, bringing a blend of aggression and versatility. With India’s strong spin attack expected to play a major role, England’s top and middle order will have to counter the threat effectively while ensuring they don’t leave too much pressure on the lower order.

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Bowling attack features pace trio and Adil Rashid as lone spinner

England have opted for a three-pronged pace attack featuring Jofra Archer, Brydon Carse and Saqib Mahmood, signaling their intent to use speed as a key weapon against India. Archer, returning from injury, will be closely watched, as England are managing his workload carefully. His ability to generate express pace and movement, combined with Carse’s accuracy and Mahmood’s variations, provides the team with a well-rounded attack.

The absence of an additional frontline spinner means England is relying heavily on Adil Rashid to control the middle overs, a role he has excelled in for years. Rashid’s experience and ability to deceive batters with his variations will be crucial, especially on a surface that might offer some grip as the game progresses. The all-round capabilities of Livingstone and Bethell provide additional bowling options, giving Buttler some flexibility. England’s strategy seems to be focused on striking early with pace, containing the middle overs with spin, and then finishing strong with their fast bowlers in the death overs.

England’s playing XI for 1st ODI against India

Phil Salt, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler (c & wk), Liam Livingstone, Jacob Bethell, Jofra Archer, Brydon Carse, Saqib Mahmood, Adil Rashid

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