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No Place For RCB's Key Player; Ben Stokes Out: England's Strongest Playing XI For India ODIs

Debashis Sarangi∙ Updated: Dec 22 2024, 7:00 PM

England have confirmed their squad for IND ODIs [Source: @ShamimSports/X]England have confirmed their squad for IND ODIs [Source: @ShamimSports/X]

In a significant development, England have confirmed their squad for the upcoming ODI series against India and the ICC Champions Trophy. England's Test captain Ben Stokes misses out due to a hamstring injury, while legendary batter Joe Root makes his much-awaited ODI return for the marquee tournament. 

Despite missing Stokes, England have a formidable lineup that can give the strongest of opponents a run for the money. So, as the Englishmen prepare for a hectic cricketing season, let's see what could be their strongest playing combination for the India ODIs. 

Root To Form English Top Order With Salt And Duckett

Explosive wicketkeeper-batter Phil Salt will likely open the batting with swashbuckling southpaw Ben Duckett. These two players form a dynamic batting duo and can capitalise on the field restrictions to torment the opposition in the powerplay. 

Legendary batter Joe Root will likely be England's number three, where he has enjoyed stellar success over the years. In 100 ODI innings at number three, Root has struck 4286 runs at an average of 49.84 and a strike rate of 89.12. 

Brook, Buttler And Livingstone Form England's Middle Order

Meanwhile, the English middle order will be an amalgamation of elegance and firepower, with the likes of Harry Brook and Liam Livingstone forming their core with skipper Buttler. The Englishmen have a robust finishing department, as these players can annihilate the opposition when they are on song. 

Apart from scoring brisk runs lower down the order, Livingstone can chip in with a few overs of useful spin bowling, thereby playing the all-rounder's role along with Jamie Overton. 

Archer, Wood And Rashid To Be England's Holy Trinity With The Ball

While Jofra Archer and Mark Wood bring extreme pace and hostile fast bowling to the table, Adil Rashid's wily spin bowling makes England a team to beat in ODI cricket. Brydon Carse, who has been remarkable across formats of late, will likely play as England's third seamer. 

England's Strongest Playing XI For ODI Series vs India

Phil Salt (WK), Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler (C), Liam Livingstone, Jamie Overton, Jofra Archer, Brydon Carse, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood