Things to look forward to in England vs India ODI series

The India-England encounter in the 50 overs format is quite a significant one for the Indian Team keeping in mind the 2019 Cricket World Cup scheduled in England. After a good show in the T20Is against Ireland and England, India would now like to take the same kind of form into the 50 overs format of the game.

Apart from gauging the English conditions, India would also like to get to the Top Spot in ODI Rankings which would be an added incentive for them to perform in the series. As skipper Virat has mentioned ahead of the series, India are also looking at experimenting with their batting order to try and find a stable balance ahead of biggest assignment- the World Cup.

Here are a few things to look forward to in the England vs India ODIs.

#4 Return of Kuldeep Yadav

Kuldeep was left out of the final T20I

One player who has been absolutely magnificent for the Indian Team in limited overs cricket in the past year and a half is Kuldeep Yadav. However, after an off day in the second T20I against England in the recently concluded series, the chinaman bowler was not given a place in the final 11 in the final T20I, given the short straight boundaries and batting friendly conditions at the venue.

However, it is only a matter of time when Kuldeep returns to the playing 11 and makes an impact straight away. This could be a test of character for young Kuldeep who has rarely faced such a situation before. It would be interesting to see him rearing to go when he gets his turn.

#3 Pitches

Pitches could a play vital role in the series

The playing surfaces could be another crucial factor in the England vs India ODIs. The wicket for the second and third T20Is were quite different from each other which was an indication of how different venues will behave differently as far as the pitch is concerned.

This means that India's plans against England might vary according to venues, the wicket in that venue and the ground dimensions. On a flatter track with shorter boundaries, India might prefer to go with a single spinner, as was the case in the final T2OI.

#2 India in English conditions

Virat's leadership would be tested in English conditions

This is India's only major assignment in English conditions ahead of the World Cup next year and perhaps their last chance at gauging the playing conditions and prepare accordingly. A 50 overs series against an England team which has been doing pretty well in this format recently is an opportunity India would like to grab with both hands.

India's challenge would be to try and win the series while trying to keep the world cup in perspective and figure out a few things. It would also be a test of captaincy for Virat Kohli.

#1 Batting position of KL Rahul and Virat Kohli

Rahul could in come in to bat at No. 3 in the ODIs

Perhaps the biggest question in every cricket fan's mind right now is where will KL Rahul bat in this series. With the kind of form Rahul has shown lately, he is an automatic selection in the playing 11. Traditionally an opener, KL Rahul might not get to bat at his preferred number, since Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan have done quite a good job for the team while opening the innings.

This means that Rahul could come in at No.3. But here is the catch- India's run machine Virat Kohli has had a great run at No. 3 for India which makes Rahul's position a little more problematic.

However, from what one witnessed in the T20Is, Rahul might just walk in ahead of the skipper in the ODI series as well.