NAGPUR, India — Joe Root is back in England's ODI team for the first time since the 2023 Cricket World Cup. The 34-year-old Root will bat at No. 3 in the first match of the one-day international series against India in Nagpur on Thursday. It will be his 172nd ODI appearance for England.

Joe Root will play his first one-day international since the 2023 World Cup in the opening match of England's series against India on Thursday in Nagpur.

Narendra Modi Stadium in Nagpur has faced pitch-related controversies in the past, but for the upcoming ODI between India and England, a new hard surface has been prepared. Indian vice-captain Shubman Gill emphasized the unpredictability of the wicket and mentioned some grass may be retained to maintain moisture.

Joe Root will come to play in the ODI series after a successful stint in South Africas T20 tournament. Root gathered 279 runs at an average of 55 and a strike rate of 140.

England`s star batsman Joe Root said that head coach Brendon McCullum`s cricketing philosophy complements the skill set of the English players by creating endless possibilities for the side. Joe Root will make a return to England`s ODI side for the three matches against Team India.

Joe Root's versatility, ability to find gaps and rotate strike will be key in the longer format of white-ball cricket.