Joe Root talks about tomorrow's ODI versus India
By Callum Dent
Joe Root wants England to continue that winning feeling during the Royal London One-Day Series against India.
Alastair Cook’s side won three consecutive Investec Tests, at the Ageas Bowl, Emirates Old Trafford and the Kia Oval, heading into the five-match rubber.
Rain washed out the opening one-day international at Bristol, but Root does not believe that will stop his side’s momentum at the SWALEC Stadium tomorrow.
The Yorkshireman said: “It means we have had an extra day's practice as a whole squad so we want to make sure we make the most of those. I think we have over the last couple of days.
“It is still in the back of our minds what happened in the Test series and we are hoping to take that momentum forward.
“You cannot look too far ahead of India, they are a very good side in one-day cricket. We know we are going to have to play well to beat them, but we are in a very good place as a team at the minute.
“The whole squad is really looking forward to tomorrow. We are in a good place and we want to make sure we start well in this series and take the momentum forward.
"I think we will be a hard side to beat. I think players have been picked because they are very capable of making big scores in one-day series. We have prepared really well and it’s exciting for us.”
The wet weather in Bristol on Monday delayed Alex Hales’ 50-over debut for England.
The Notts Outlaws batsman, who will open the innings alongside Alastair Cook, has been rewarded with a call-up following his outstanding performances in the Royal London One-Day Cup.
The 25-year-old, a integral part of England's Twenty20 side, struck 384 runs in just five matches, including three tons.
And Root is excited at the prospect of having Hales, Eoin Morgan and Jos Buttler in their ranks.
“He (Hales) is an explosive player," he said. "He’s exciting to watch and I am really looking forward to him doing his stuff. I think we have got a nice balance.
“We have got guys like Eoin Morgan and Jos Buttler coming in down the order, who can win games on their own.
Watch out! England batsman @AlexHales1 strikes explosive six into the stands during practice: http://t.co/kYixoBf5ID via @YouTube
— England Cricket (@ECB_cricket) August 26, 2014
“Mixed in with everyone else, I think we are in a good place. This series will be a good judge of that.”
Root is another man in form after hitting two hundreds and three half-centuries in the five Test matches versus the tourists.
The right-hander is hoping he can replicate his fine displays in the 50-over contests, adding: “My game feels good at the minute.
“Going into a different format is going to be a different challenge. I’m going to try and carry that forward. I feel really good with where everything is at and, like everyone else, I am excited about this series.
“I try not to change too much. I just try to play a few more expansive shots earlier.
“You have got to try and play the situation and fit into the team how you can.
“Sometimes in Test cricket you have got to score quite quickly as well. I know we have got a good balance within our side.”