India vs England 1st ODI at Pune: Likely XI for Eoin Morgan’s men
India vs England 1st ODI: Likely XI for Morgan’s men
After a long gap of 25 days since the conclusion of the five-Test series, India and England lock horns once again, this time in limited-overs series, beginning with the first One-Day International (OCI) at Pune. England were trounced 0-4 in the Test series, but are a completely different side when it comes to limited-overs cricket. Eoin Morgan-led England have played some exciting cricket over the last year or so and this series will be no different. They showed glimpses of what his unit is capable of in the two warm-up matches leading up to the series. If they can replicate similar form in the ODI series, there is no reason why they cannot win it.
Their opponents India will be led by Virat Kohli in the ODIs and T20Is well — the same man who was thorn in England’s flesh in the Test series. MS Dhoni sprung a surprise on the fourth day of the New Year when he announced stepping down as India’s ODI and T20I captain, which paved way for Kohli to lead India across formats. While India have gelled well under Kohli in Tests, the limited-overs will be a completely different proposition. If India show the slightest of weaknesses, England will not hesitate in pouncing on it. Having said that, here is a look at the XI England are likely to field in the first ODI.
Full Cricket Scorecard: India vs England 1st ODI at Pune
Top-order: Jason Roy and Alex Hales have formed a formidable opening partnership in the last year and a half. Roy and Hales did a fine job in the series against Pakistan and got to spend some time in the middle even in the warm-up matches. When on song, they could be a serious threat to any opposition. At No. 3 will be Joe Root. Root was part of all five Tests against India and is aware of the conditions. He joined the squad a bit late as he stayed back home to welcome the arrival of his first child, and as a result did not play the warm-up games. Root is one of the best players in the world and not playing those practice games should not hamper his chances in the series.
Middle-order: Eoin Morgan failed to do any damage in the practice matches, which will make him hungrier to do well in the ODI series. Morgan was in decent form in the Big Bash League (BBL), striking a couple of fifties. Morgan scored a couple of fifties in the five-match series against Pakistan and will be keen on making a significant contribution in this series as well. At No. 5, depending on the situation it will be either Moeen Ali or Jos Buttler. Both Moeen and Buttler will be entrusted to consolidate whatever the top 4 or 5 have managed to score. Moeen can be handy with ball in hand as well.
Ben Stokes had a good Test series, but more often than not, he ended up on the losing side. Stokes has matured as a cricketer over the years and often plays according to the circumstances. If needed, Stokes can accelerate at a rapid pace, but can also play the role of a sheet anchor if the situation demands. He also gives England an extra seam bowling option.
READ: Stokes: England’s Test series loss to India will have no bearing in limited-overs
Bowlers: David Willey is perhaps the most underrated batsman in the England camp. He has opened for his County side Northamptonshire. He also has T20 hundred to his name while opening the innings. But he is in the England side as a bowler who can send down tight opening spells, but can be beaten around the park at the death. England often turn to Willey when they are in desperate need of a wicket. As mentioned earlier, Willey can be at his bludgeoning best with the bat as well. Liam Plunkett, Chris Woakes and Adil Rashid make up the rest of the XI.
Rashid will be entrusted to bowl well in tandem with Moeen. Rashid went for plenty in the Test series even though he picked up wickets. But, he had an excellent 2016 in ODIs and will want to keep that run going. Plunkett and Woakes give England that extra depth in their bowling attack. They sure know how to handle a bat as well. They showed how good they are recently when they helped England tie a lost match against Sri Lanka. Woakes struck an unbeaten 95 and Plunkett hit 22, which included a six off the final ball of the match.
England likely XI for first ODI vs India: Eoin Morgan (c), Jason Roy, Alex Hales, Joe Root, Moeen Ali, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler (wk), David Willey, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Chris Woakes