As England gears up for the Champions Trophy in Pakistan, Joe Root believes the upcoming three-match ODI series against India will be the perfect warm-up for the tournament.
With the Champions Trophy set to begin on February 19, Root sees the India series as an opportunity for the team to build momentum and fine-tune their strategies. The experienced batter emphasized that these matches will be crucial in helping the squad find the right balance before heading into the tournament.
“When you commit to something, you want to see it through and be there for the whole tournament. Playing for England and international cricket is always the pinnacle of the sport,” Root said. “And leading into the Champions Trophy, these three ODIs will be really useful for us to come together as a group and get into a strong position before the tournament.”
Root’s comments come as England looks to recover from a disappointing 4-1 defeat in the T20I series against India. Under the leadership of Jos Buttler and head coach Brendon McCullum, the team will be keen to make a statement in the 50-over format, where McCullum’s aggressive “Bazball” approach is set to be tested in ODIs.
A veteran of 171 ODIs, Root last played for England during the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in India. With over 6,500 runs at an average of 47.60, including 16 centuries and 39 half-centuries, he remains a vital part of the squad.
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England’s squad for the series and the Champions Trophy features a mix of experienced and young talent, including Jos Buttler (captain), Jofra Archer, Harry Brook, Liam Livingstone, Mark Wood, and Root.
As the tournament approaches, England will be looking to use this series to build confidence and find their best XI. With Root optimistic about their preparation, all eyes will be on how England performs against India before heading to Pakistan.