The first match of the 3 ODI series between India and England is scheduled to take place on Thursday in Nagpur. This series is crucial for both teams as they prepare for the Champions Trophy. England captain Jose Butler has shared his thoughts on the significance of this series, stating that it presents a great opportunity for his team to fine-tune their preparations before the Champions Trophy.
Butler emphasized that while the team is focused on the Champions Trophy, which begins on 19 February and concludes on 9 March, the ODI series against India serves as an ideal platform for preparation. He also highlighted the importance of experienced batsman Joe Root, whose expertise will be vital in both the ODI series and the Champions Trophy. This comes after England’s defeat in the T20 series against India, where the Suryakumar Yadav-led Indian team emerged victorious with a 4-1 score.
According to Butler, Joe Root is one of the greatest batsmen in cricket history, with a proven track record in all formats. As a long-standing member of England’s ODI team, Root’s extensive experience in ODI cricket will not only benefit him but also the less experienced players in the team. Butler expressed his expectation that Root will play a pivotal role in the upcoming matches, contributing significantly to the team’s success.