Joe Root has made a return to England’s One Day International (ODI) squad ahead of the team’s upcoming series against India. The first ODI is scheduled for February 6, at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur, and Root will bat at the crucial No. 3 position. 

This appearance will be Root’s first ODI since the 2023 Cricket World Cup, where he last played against Pakistan in November 2023. 

Root’s inclusion aims to strengthen England’s middle-order batting, particularly in spin-friendly conditions that are expected in India. His experience and skill are seen as vital assets for a team that recently faced challenges, suffering a 1-4 defeat in the preceding T20I series against India. This series serves as critical preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy set to begin later this month. 

Captain Jos Buttler expressed excitement about Root’s return, highlighting his status as one of the great players across all formats. Buttler noted that Root’s extensive experience will greatly benefit younger players in the squad who have had less exposure to international cricket. “He’s back with that cheeky smile on his face and really enjoying his cricket. 

“He has been a vital player for England in all formats, and we feel he has a crucial role to play in these games,” Buttler remarked, spotlighting Root’s positive attitude and readiness to contribute. 

Root has been in excellent form recently, putting his battling skills on display during his stint with Paarl Royals in South Africa’s SA20 league, where he scored 279 runs at an average of 55 and a strike rate of 140. His performance included two half-centuries, with a top score of 92, demonstrating his adaptability and readiness for the international stage. 

The England squad remains largely unchanged from the T20 series, with notable players like Phil Salt, Jofra Archer, Ben Duckett, Harry Brook, and Liam Livingstone also included. However, Root’s presence is expected to provide much-needed stability and experience to an otherwise young batting lineup.