India’s white-ball tour of England has been far from ideal. The results have not gone their way. Their performances have often lacked the consistency expected from a team packed with talent. Earlier, they lost the T20I series to Ireland (0-2). After that, the Men in Blue were again outplayed by England in the shortest format (0-4).
Meanwhile, the attention shifts to the three-match ODI series. Team India have an opportunity to reset and finish the tour on a positive note. The three-match contest also marks the beginning of preparations for next year’s ODI World Cup.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are back
The two veterans are set to play ODI cricket for the first time since January and will once again be expected to anchor India’s batting.
Shubman Gill continues as captain, but having Rohit and Kohli back in the dressing room gives the side a completely different look. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will bring experience to the table in English conditions.
With the ODI World Cup less than a year away, every innings from the senior duo will be closely watched. This tour could also be among their final ODI assignments in England, adding extra significance to the series.
India have also received a timely boost with Jasprit Bumrah joining the squad. Along with KL Rahul, Kuldeep Yadav and Gurnoor Brar, he links up with the players who were already in England for the T20Is.
Bumrah’s return is particularly important because England’s conditions generally reward disciplined fast bowling. India lacked that cutting edge during the T20 series, and they will hope their premier fast bowler can make an immediate impact.
The visitors, however, have also suffered injury setbacks. Harshit Rana has been ruled out after sustaining a Grade 1 hamstring injury, while Varun Chakaravarthy will miss the series with a Grade 2 hamstring injury.
Prince Yadav and Ravi Bishnoi have been named as replacements and now have a chance to make an impression if they get an opportunity.
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England continue their Transition
England also enter the series with plenty happening around the team.
Harry Brook continues to lead the side and will be eager to strengthen his credentials as captain. With Ben Stokes having retired from international cricket, Brook is among the names being discussed for a bigger leadership role in the future.
The hosts have included uncapped Sussex all-rounder James Coles in the squad, while Josh Tongue is still waiting for his ODI debut. Joe Root returns to provide experience in the batting order, and Jofra Archer remains England’s biggest weapon with the ball.
Can Jos Buttler find his rhythm again?
One player England will be watching closely is Jos Buttler.
The former captain has gone through a difficult run in T20 cricket, failing to score more than 40 in his last 18 innings and averaging just 15.16 during that period. While ODIs offer batters more time to settle, England will hope Buttler can use this series to regain both runs and confidence.
A confident Buttler can change the course of a match within a few overs, and England know how important he remains to their plans.
Big Changes Off The Field
England’s preparations have not been limited to changes on the field.
The England and Wales Cricket Board recently removed Brendon McCullum as Test head coach following a disappointing run in red-ball cricket. However, McCullum will continue to coach England’s white-ball sides.
Although it is only a three-match series, both teams have plenty to play for.
India desperately need confidence after a disappointing run in T20 cricket, while England will want to show that their white-ball setup remains strong despite the recent leadership and coaching changes.
With World Cup preparations already underway, every performance, every partnership, and every spell could influence future team selections. That should ensure both sides approach the series with plenty of intent.
England vs India ODI Series: Date And Time
| Match | Date | Venue | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st ODI | Tuesday, July 14 | Edgbaston, Birmingham | 3:30 PM |
| 2nd ODI | Thursday, July 16 | Sophia Gardens, Cardiff | 5:30 PM |
| 3rd ODI | Sunday, July 19 | Lord’s, London | 3:30 PM |
England vs India ODI Series: Live Telecast
The England-India ODI series will be telecast live on the Sony Sports Network.
England vs India ODI Series: Live Streaming
Fans in India can watch the live streaming of the three-match series on the JioHotstar app and website.
England vs India ODI Squads
England: Harry Brook (c), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, James Coles, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Saqib Mahmood, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Josh Tongue.
India: Shubman Gill (Captain), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer (Vice-Captain), KL Rahul (WK), Ishan Kishan (WK), Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna, Arshdeep Singh, Gurnoor Brar, Prince Yadav.
