After losing the T20I series 2-1, the World No. 1 ODI side would look forward to maintaining their legacy when they take field against India in a 3-match ODI series in Nottingham on Thursday. Ahead of the 3-match ODI series against India, England captain Joe Root has stated that the Indian cricket team is putting a different challenge altogether.
"England had beaten Australia 5-0 in the home ODI series last India have been a really strong team in this format for a long time. They won (ODI series) last time they came over here. I know it was a very different side they played against but it is a really good marker to see where we are," said Root on Wednesday.
“We have played some really strong cricket in one day format and India are right up there as one of the best one-day sides in the world. They present different challenges to the ones we have recently faced but we know that if we play to our potential, keep learning and improving we will be a difficult side to play especially at home,” he added.
This series is built up as clash of the two best ODI sides who are both looking at next year's World Cup. Root said that the series would be a good indicator of how things stand for both sides with less than a year to go.
“Yes, it does (present opportunities to grab spots) and ahead of a World Cup that's what you want. You want guys outside pushing as hard as possible and making those difficult decisions. It can't be easy, but it shows where we have come to in the last three or four years in this format. It can't be a bad thing,” he said.
The English Test skipper went on to speak about the return of Ben Stokes after injury. Stokes missed the first two T20Is in Manchester and Cardiff but joined the team in Bristol.
“One thing is for sure is it is great to see Ben Stokes back to somewhere near fully fit. He is such a big asset to all three teams and with him firing hopefully throughout this series we will see some really strong performances from him and long term for England that is a really good thing,” said Root.
The first England vs India ODI will be played at Trent Bridge, Nottingham on Thursday.