Synopsis
England's wicketkeeper Jamie Smith is likely to be sidelined for the first two ODIs against India due to calf issues but aims to return for the Champions Trophy. His fitness test will take place in Ahmedabad, coinciding with squad finalization for the tournament.Key Takeaways
- Jamie Smith's calf injury may keep him out of the first two ODIs.
- He is expected to be fit for the upcoming Champions Trophy.
- Joe Root joins the ODI squad, providing limited batting options.
- The ODI series begins on Thursday in Nagpur.
- England aims to regroup after their T20I series loss.
New Delhi, Feb 4 (NationPress) England wicketkeeper Jamie Smith is anticipated to be absent for the initial two ODIs in the three-match series against India due to calf complications but is projected to recover in time for the Champions Trophy.
The wicketkeeper-batter experienced calf discomfort during the third T20I in Rajkot, which was England's sole victory, and has been undergoing treatment since. He participated in the second and third T20Is, stepping in for Jacob Bethell. However, he missed the subsequent two matches, as India secured the series 4-1.
As per a report from the Daily Mail, the 24-year-old is set to take a fitness test during the final match of the tour in Ahmedabad next Wednesday, coinciding with the deadline for finalizing Champions Trophy rosters to be submitted to the International Cricket Council.
Joe Root has joined the England squad for the ODI segment of the tour, but Smith's absence is restricting their batting choices. Root was initially slated to replace spinner Rehan Ahmed in the squad, but the latter has now been retained for the 50-over games.
During the T20I phase of the tour, England has adhered to a four-pronged pace attack, supported by Adil Rashid, unlike India, who have utilized up to five spinners in a single innings.
Following the defeat in the T20I series, pacer Saqib Mahmood is also likely to feature in the opening ODI in Rajkot. The right-arm pacer participated in only one match before being dropped for the final T20I at Wankhede Stadium, despite taking a remarkable triple wicket maiden that reduced India to 12 for three.
The three-match ODI series is set to commence in Nagpur on Thursday, with the second match taking place on Sunday. The final match of the series, which will be England's last engagement before their Champions Trophy opener against Australia on February 22, is scheduled for February 12.
