New Delhi (India), February 4: England batter Joe Root sees the upcoming three ODIs against India as a “really useful” opportunity to bring the team together and get into a strong position before the Champions Trophy begins in Pakistan on February 19.
The anticipation for the Champions Trophy is building rapidly, with fans buzzing as the marquee event inches closer. All participating teams are using these ODI series as crucial preparation to determine their best combinations and build momentum ahead of the tournament.
Root, a key figure in England’s ODI lineup, believes that the three-match series will help England be in a “good place” before their quest for glory in Pakistan. He said, “When you commit to doing something, you want to see it through and be there for the whole tournament, but at the same time, playing for England and international cricket is always the pinnacle of the sport,” as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
After a 4-1 defeat in the T20I series, England aims to bounce back in the 50-over format, with head coach Brendon McCullum leading the charge. The series will be the first time ‘Bazball’ tactics are applied in ODIs, as the team looks to make a mark in the format starting Thursday in Nagpur.
Root added, “And leading into the Champions Trophy, three ODIs will be really useful for us to be together as a group and try and get us in a really good place before we head into that tournament.”
Root’s last appearance for England in ODIs was during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 in India. With 171 ODIs under his belt, the experienced star has accumulated 6,522 runs at an average of 47.60, including 16 centuries and 39 half-centuries.
England ODI Squad for India Tour & ICC Men’s Champions Trophy:
- Jos Buttler (C)
- Jofra Archer
- Gus Atkinson
- Jacob Bethell
- Harry Brook
- Brydon Carse
- Ben Duckett
- Jamie Overton
- Jamie Smith
- Liam Livingstone
- Adil Rashid
- Joe Root
- Saqib Mahmood
- Phil Salt
- Mark Wood