England batsman Joe Root, in all likelihood, will miss the starting phase of the ODI series against India as he is expecting the birth of his second child on Thursday, the same day when England team is set to arrive in the country ahead of the ODI series. Root has decided not to travel with the team and will remain with his wife during this crucial period.

If this happens then it’ll be a great loss for England as the visitors are already in low spirits following a 4-0 humiliation in the recently concluded Test series. Another series defeat might lead to a big rejig in the squad and we might see selectors starting the with the captain himself. Though Root’s place is safe but never ever a player would like his team to face such defeat at the hands of the opposition.

England is scheduled to land in India on January 5 and they’ll play two practice games on January 10 and 12 at the CCI ground in Mumbai. Mahendra Singh Dhoni will also feature in those games to get some match practice ahead of the ODI series.

This will also be an ideal opportunity for England skipper Eoin Morgan to analyse Dhoni’s tactics ahead of the start of ODI series, which kicks off on January 15. Two more ODIs at Cuttack and Kolkata will follow the first game whereas three T20Is will mark the end of a long tour for England, which started on November 9.