India vs England: First ODI Betting Preview

England are 7/4 cricket betting underdogs for the first ODI against India after their 4-1 defeat in the T20 series. England have only won three out of their last eight 50-over matches, following an abysmal showing in the last World Cup.

It’s a new white-ball era, though, with Brendon McCullum bringing Bazball to the shorter formats. There have been significant personnel changes since their World Cup demise, and supposedly a refreshed attitude with McCullum at the helm. It’s not enough to make England anything other than sports betting underdogs for this series, however.

Joe Root is the only change to the England squad after scoring 279 at an average of 55.80 and a strike rate over 140. England’s greatest ever all-format batter was also a regular bowler for the Paarl Royals – he could have a role to play with the ball if India produce more big-spinning tracks.

The series begins in Nagpur. The average first innings score is 260, with India winning five of their last nine matches at the venue. It often provides turn, while having the potential to be a quick-scoring ground.

India have won their last three matches at Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium. The most recent of which was an eight-run win over Australia in 2019 with the tourists failing to chase down 250 after a century from Virat Kohli.

There was another low-scoring match in 2017, which followed India chasing 350 against the Aussies at Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in 2013.

Score of the Top Run Scorer – Over 105.5 at 5/6

At least one century has been scored in the last four ODIs at Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium. When 350 played 350 12 years ago, four players notched hundreds.

With the batting talent on display, this price is an excellent betting option. Root has been in sublime form in the SA20 and has a stellar track record in subcontinental conditions. India are blessed with plenty of players capable of scoring a century on in batter-friendly conditions.

Varun Chakravarthy to be India’s Top Bowler

Varun Chakravarthy has been added to the ODI squad after mesmerising England in the T20s. Chakravarthy’s 14 wickets at 9.85 made him the most impactful bowler of the series, particularly when paired with a 7.67 economy.

The 33-year-old is yet to make his ODI debut. He shouldn’t have to wait long. India would be foolish to leave him out in Nagpur, given how he tormented the England batters in the shortest format.

In T20s, Chakravarthy has been especially impactful in the first innings of matches with an average just over 10. He could take advantage of some reckless England batting if they are forced to set a score in McCullum’s first ODI in charge.

Joe Root to be England’s Top Batter – 12/5

Root averages 40.78 in ODIs in India at a strike rate of 86.12. Root averages almost seven more in away ODIs than he does at home, and his average is 43.47 against India overall.

His numbers are even better when looking at all matches in Asia.

There’s no question the former England captain is in imperious form, following scores of 62, 92, and 78 (all not outs) in the SA20. His skill against spin and calmness at the crease is exactly what England need after a disappointing T20 series.