After the conclusion of an enthralling T20I series in Ahmedabad, England return to action on Tuesday, March 23 as they begin an ODI series against India in Pune.
Eoin Morgan’s men will be looking to bounce back after successive T20 and Test match series defeats in India.
The three-match series will take place in a Covid secure bubble in Pune at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium.
Fans will not be in attendance once again as Covid rates in India continue to rise.
The Worlds best battle again
It’s set to be a cracker of a series as the current World Champions take on the number two side in the world.
Eoin Morgan’s men were at their very best at times in the T20 series, but questions remain around the middle order and the unwavering rotation policy.
India could overtake England in the ODI rankings with a 3-0 series victory, and they boast three of the top 10 ranked One day batsmen in Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant.
A chance for new faces
With the likes of Joe Root rested and Jofra Archer set to miss out through injury, this series presents a chance for some new faces to feature.
In-form top order batsmen Liam Livingstone has been named in the 14-man squad, and could make his ODI debut after staring for the Perth Scorchers in the BBL this winter.
Reece Topley has also been named in the squad, and the Surrey quick will add much needed pace and bounce in the absence of Archer.
Sam Billings, who impressed in the ODI series against Ireland last summer, could also feature in the absence of Root, as he bids to strake a claim in England’s fiercely competitive squad.
King Kohli’s century hunt
India’s captain has unquestionable talent, in fact he is arguably the greatest white ball batsman ever, yet there is one stat that is currently hanging over his head.
Kohli’s last century was in 2019 when he hit an unbeaten 114 against the West Indies in the Port of Spain.
This stat is undoubtedly eating away at a man with a competitive spirit like Kohli, and he is likely to be more hungry for runs than ever when India and England play in Pune.
