England-India ODI Series - Battle Of The Best

The stage is set for the biggest limited overs series of the year. It will be the battle to become the best side of the one-day cricket when two top-ranked sides England and India will take on each other in the first of the 3-match series on Thursday, July 12 at Trent Bridge, Nottingham.

Looking at the rankings, England is currently No.1 ranked side in a 50-overs format with 126 points while India is sitting on No.2 with 122 points. More than that the way both sides have been playing in this format since World Cup 2015, this series is definitely going to be the best in recent times.



England dismantled Australia in recently concluded ODI series by 5-0 where they set a new world record of the highest score ever made in an ODI match of 481/6. In that series, the world had seen a new England side who played fearless cricket under the captaincy of Eion Morgan. That was just an example of how good this England side has become. They have been playing this kind of cricket since the World Cup 2015.

India last played an ODI series in February this year against South Africa in Africa where they demolished them by 5-1. That was also the first ODI series win for India in South Africa. Much like England, India has also been ruthless in this format or more than that.

This is the series where both team's strength is their batting. Both teams have players who can win the game for their side single-handedly. England have Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow as two openers while in middle order they have ever-reliable Joe Root along with skipper Eion Morgan and dangerous Jos Buttler.



Ben Stokes who missed out against Australia might replace Alex Hales in playing XI even though Hales scored a century in the record-scoring match.

When it comes to strength, India has always been batting heavy side and looking more settle and dangerous than England. Rohit Sharma who scored a century in the last T20I will be opener along with Shikhar Dhawan. Skipper Virat Kohli along with KL Rahul, Suresh Raina/Dinesh Karthik, and MS Dhoni will be in middle order.

The only concern for India is going to be the fitness of Bhuvneshwar Kumar who missed the last T20I through a stiff back. In case he doesn't fit before the match, Shardul Thakur or Siddarth Kaul can replace him.

For more updates and news, stay tuned to us.

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