England announces Playing XI for 1st ODI against India, Jos Buttler named captain while Joe Root makes a return

England has named its playing XI for the first ODI against India, set to be played at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur on Thursday. The match will begin at 1:30 PM IST as both teams look to gain early momentum in the three-match series.

Also See: India vs England 1st ODI match preview

A major highlight for England is the return of top batter Joe Root to the ODI squad. The 34-year-old, who last played a 50-over match in 2023, will strengthen the visitors’ batting lineup with his experience and composure in the middle order.

Phil Salt has been entrusted with wicketkeeping duties for the opening match and will also open the innings alongside Ben Duckett. Root will slot into the middle order alongside Harry Brook, captain Jos Buttler, Liam Livingstone, and Jacob Bethell, forming a solid batting unit against the Indian attack.

England’s pace attack for the match will be led by Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, and Saqib Mahmood, while spin responsibilities will be shared between Adil Rashid and Livingstone.

After the series opener in Nagpur, the second ODI will take place at Cuttack’s Barabati Stadium on Sunday, followed by the final match at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium on February 12.

The ODI series serves as crucial preparation for England ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy, which will be played in a hybrid model across Pakistan and the UAE.

England Playing XI for 1st ODI against India: Ben Duckett, Phil Salt, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler (C), Liam Livingstone, Jacob Bethell, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Saqib Mahmood.

England squad for India ODI series: Phil Salt, Jos Buttler (C), Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Liam Livingstone, Jacob Bethell, Brydon Carse, Adil Rashid, Gus Atkinson, Mark Wood, Jamie Overton, Saqib Mahmood, Jamie Smith, Jofra Archer.