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India vs England 1st ODI match preview: Who will win the series opener?

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The highly anticipated first ODI between India and England is set to take place at the Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA) Stadium in Nagpur on February 6, 2025. Both teams are looking to start the three-match series on a strong note, with the fixture serving as crucial preparation for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy. With England announcing their playing XI and India welcoming back key players, the stage is set for a thrilling contest.

India vs England Match Information

Match Preview: India vs England 1st ODI

India enters the series with momentum, having recently secured a dominant 4-1 win in the T20I series. Led by Rohit Sharma, the squad sees the return of star players such as Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, and Ravindra Jadeja. Spinner Varun Chakravarthy, who played a crucial role in the T20Is, has also been included in the ODI squad. The Indian bowling attack, featuring Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, and Arshdeep Singh, will look to test England’s batting depth.

England, meanwhile, will be eager to bounce back after the T20I defeat and use this ODI series as an opportunity to fine-tune their squad before the Champions Trophy. A major boost for the visitors is the return of Joe Root, who last played an ODI in 2023. He will strengthen England’s middle order alongside Harry Brook, captain Jos Buttler, Liam Livingstone, and Jacob Bethell. England’s pace attack will be spearheaded by Jofra Archer, Saqib Mahmood, and Brydon Carse, while Adil Rashid and Livingstone will be responsible for spin duties.

After the series opener in Nagpur, the second ODI will be held in Cuttack on February 9, with the final match taking place in Ahmedabad on February 12.

Who Will Win the 1st ODI?

India has the advantage of playing at home, where they have a strong record in ODI matches. With experienced batters like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Shubman Gill leading the charge, the team is well-equipped to tackle England’s bowling attack. Additionally, India’s recent form in limited-overs cricket, including the T20I series win, gives them an edge.

However, England is not to be underestimated. The return of Joe Root provides much-needed stability in the middle order, and players like Jos Buttler and Harry Brook are capable of changing the game’s momentum. If England’s bowlers, particularly Jofra Archer and Adil Rashid, can make early inroads into India’s batting lineup, they could put the hosts under pressure.

While both teams are evenly matched, India’s familiarity with the conditions and their strong ODI form make them slight favorites to win the opening match.

Head-to-Head Record: India vs England in ODIs

India and England have faced off 106 times in ODIs, with India holding the upper hand. The Men in Blue have won 57 matches, while England has secured 44 victories. Five matches have ended without a result.

At the VCA Stadium in Nagpur, England has played just one ODI, which they won against the Netherlands in the 2011 World Cup. India, on the other hand, has a mixed record at the venue, winning their last three ODIs but suffering previous defeats against Sri Lanka and South Africa.

Stadium Record: VCA Stadium, Nagpur

The pitch at the VCA Stadium is known for favoring batters, with high-scoring encounters being a regular occurrence. The average first-innings total here stands at 288, with teams chasing winning six out of nine matches.

Key ODI Records at VCA Stadium:

  • Matches Played: 9
  • Won Batting First: 3
  • Won Batting Second: 6
  • Highest Total: 354/7 – India vs Australia (2009)
  • Lowest Total: 123 All Out – Canada vs Zimbabwe (2011)
  • Highest Successful Chase: 351/4 – India vs Australia (2013)
  • Lowest Total Defended: 250 All Out – India vs Australia (2019)
  • Most Runs: Virat Kohli – 325 runs in 5 innings
  • Most Wickets: Mitchell Johnson (9 wickets in 3 innings), Ravindra Jadeja (4 wickets in 4 innings)

Weather Forecast: Favorable Conditions for Cricket

The weather forecast for Nagpur indicates clear conditions with no rain interruptions. Temperatures are expected to reach a maximum of 31°C, with a northeast wind blowing at approximately 11 km/h. With minimal cloud cover at 9%, the match is expected to be played without weather disruptions.

Complete Squads for the 1st ODI

India Squad: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Varun Chakaravarthy.

England Squad: Jos Buttler (C), Harry Brook, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Philip Salt, Jamie Smith, Jacob Bethell, Brydon Carse, Liam Livingstone, Jamie Overton, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Saqib Mahmood, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood

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