England have unveiled their playing XI for the first ODI against India, set to take place at the VCA Stadium in Nagpur on Thursday, February 6. A major highlight of the lineup is the return of Joe Root, who will be making his comeback to ODI cricket after a significant hiatus. Despite their 1-4 loss in the T20I series, England have opted to retain their opening combination.

Root slots into his familiar No. 3 position, adding much-needed stability to the top order. Harry Brook, who is yet to establish himself in subcontinental conditions, will take up the No. 4 spot.
Skipper Jos Buttler is set to bat at No. 5, but questions remain over whether he will don the wicketkeeping gloves, with Phil Salt likely to take on the role instead. Captain Jos Buttler is set to bat at No. 5, though it remains uncertain if he will don the wicketkeeping gloves, with Phil Salt likely to take on that role instead. Liam Livingstone and Brydon Carse will help boost the lower middle order while Jacob Bethell would be entrusted to play as the finisher.
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The pacers’ line-up would have two regulars – Jofra Archer and Saqib Mahmood – apart from the additional contribution expected from Carse. England will rely on the experienced Adil Rashid in their spin department, with Root and Livingstone added as additional spin options.
🚨 BREAKING NEWS 🚨
England have announced their XI for the first ODI against India tomorrow 🏴@root66 is BACK! 👑
Watch #INDvENG on @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK 📺 pic.twitter.com/HfR5YZUyNp
— England’s Barmy Army 🏴🎺 (@TheBarmyArmy) February 5, 2025
England’s Playing XI: Ben Duckett, Phil Salt (wk), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler (c), Liam Livingstone, Jacob Bethell, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Saqib Mahmood
The Indian team includes mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy, who was given his first ODI cap after doing wonders in the T20I series. He took 14 wickets, the most wickets for any bowler during the series, and gives a further dimension to India’s spinners.
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Meanwhile, India faces mounting challenges, especially with Jasprit Bumrah ruled out of the series. While he is expected to return for the third ODI in Ahmedabad, his absence casts doubt on his availability for the ICC Champions Trophy, leaving significant gaps in India’s pace attack.