The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have announced its playing XI for the three-match ODI series opener against the India National Cricket Team, which will be played at Edgbaston in Birmingham on Tuesday, July 14.
England has already thrashed India in the recent five-match T20I series 4-0, and now they must be aiming to carry forward their winning momentum into the three-match ODI series. Amid this, Shubman Gill brushes aside T20I setback, eyes fresh start in ODI series.
England reveals bold new batting order for 1st ODI vs India
England has made an interesting change at the top of the order. Young all-rounder Jacob Bethell will open the batting alongside Ben Duckett, while experienced batter Joe Root will bat at number three, with Jos Buttler being pushed to the middle order.
This will be a special match for the former England captain. Actually, the in-form batter Buttler is set to make his 200th ODI appearance for England during the first ODI against India. He had made his debut against Pakistan in Dubai on February 21, 2012.
Buttler will also take the wicket-keeping duties. The England national cricket team has picked a balanced attack with Sam Curran, Jofra Archer, and Josh Tongue taking care of the pace department.
They have picked three spin bowling options in Will Jacks, Liam Dawson, and veteran leg-spinner Adil Rashid to handle the experienced and world-class Indian batting line-up at Edgbaston.
England Playing XI for 1st ODI vs India:
Jacob Bethell, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Harry Brook (C), Jos Buttler (WK), Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Jofra Archer, Liam Dawson, Josh Tongue, Adil Rashid.
ECB eyes Rahul Dravid after Brendon McCullum exit
Meanwhile, Indian legend Rahul Dravid has reportedly become a surprise name in England’s search for a new Test coach after Brendon McCullum was removed from the role following England’s 2-1 home Test series defeat to New Zealand. McCullum will continue as England’s white-ball coach.
Dravid is among the shortlisted candidates along with former England coach Andy Flower and ex-spinner Richard Dawson. The Daily Telegraph report claimed that Dravid features on a shortlist of candidates being considered by the ECB to succeed McCullum.
However, reports further shared that the former India head coach is not interested in taking up a full-time coaching role. That makes former coach Flower remain one of the strongest contenders because of his past successful stint and success in franchise cricket, especially the IPL for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
Rahul Dravid has no desire to coach full-time: Report
The report shared, “Dravid has no desire to coach full-time, but the England Test job would allow him extended periods at home and the chance to help keep alive his favorite format of the game. England, at the very least, should gauge his interest.”
The same report further claimed that many other big names are being considered for the job. These include Sri Lanka legend Kumar Sangakkara, England Lions coach Andrew Flintoff, Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson, and former Australia head coach Justin Langer.
