Jos Buttler backs Joe Root in ODI series against India
What's the story
England's white-ball captain, Jos Buttler, has backed Joe Root to play a major role in the upcoming ODI series against India.
The three-match series will begin on February 6 in Nagpur. This will be Root's first ODI series since the World Cup 2023.
Although he didn't have the best outing in the tournament, averaging just over 30 in nine innings, Buttler believes Root will be a key player.
Here's more.
Captain's confidence
'Root is one of the great players of the game'
Buttler praised Root as one of the greats of the game, noting his experience and impact on the team.
"Root is one of the great players of the game, so in all formats here, he's obviously been a vital part of ODI cricket for England for a long time," Buttler said in the pre-match press conference.
He noted Root's vast experience in ODI cricket would help inexperienced members of their group.
Words
'He's got loads of experience in ODI cricket'
"He's got loads of experience in ODI cricket, which would be great for some of the guys who haven't played as much in our group. He's been a vital player for England in all formats, and we feel like he's got a crucial role for us to play in these games," said Buttler on Wednesday.
Future prospects
Root's potential in Champions Trophy 2025
Root's form will be critical for England in the upcoming 2025 Champions Trophy, considering his proven ability to shine on spinning tracks.
In the last edition of the tournament in 2017, he was among the top five run-scorers. Additionally, he owns 431 runs (AVG: 61.57, in nine matches), across two Champions Trophy editions.
This further emphasizes his potential as a key player for England in future tournaments too.
Career trajectory
Root's limited-overs cricket journey post-World Cup
Since the ODI World Cup in 2023, Root hasn't played any form of limited-overs cricket for England.
However, he has remained active in T20 cricket, scoring over 500 runs from 22 matches since then.
This indicates that despite being absent from the ODI scene, Root has kept himself in the groove and is ready for competitive cricket.
Numbers
Root's overall ODI numbers
In ODIs, Root owns 6,522 runs at an average of 47.60, alongside a strike rate of 86.77.
According to ESPNcricinfo, he has also smashed 16 hundreds and 39 half-centuries, while boasting a high score of 133* (vs Bangladesh).
Root owns an average of 43.47 against India and has hammered 739 runs (22 matches).
Notably, he has also racked up three tons and three fifties with a high score worth 113*.
Root averages a healthy 49.16 on Indian soil against India.