Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel smashed half-centuries as India defeated England by four wickets in the opening one-day international on Thursday and took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series that is a warmup for the Champions Trophy.

Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer helped India chase down 249 runs in just 39 overs. Axar Patel also played a solid knock with the bat to help India win the game. Earlier, Harshit Rana and Ravindra Jadeja picked up three wickets each to set the tone with the ball.

England captain Jos Buttler has elected to bat first, with Yashasvi Jaiswal and Harshit Rana making their debuts for India. India and England share a rich history, having clashed in 107 ODIs. The Men in Blue have won 58 games while England own 44 wins. Two matches have ended in a tie (NR: 3).

India has won seven of the ten bilateral series at home, while England has managed just one win, with two series drawn.

Virat Kohli won't play for India due to a knee injury and England captain Jos Buttler won the toss and decided to bat in the first one-day international on Thursday. For India, Jasprit Bumrah is still out with a back spasm.

While India will feature in their first home ODI since the 2023 ODI World Cup, England have a point to prove. The series will be a litmus test for both sides ahead of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.

England batsman Joe Root will make his first ODI appearance since 2023 after being named in the team to face India in the opening match of the series in Nagpur on Thursday. Root, England's leading test run scorer and second on the ODI list,

He’s one of the great players of the game in all formats and a vital part of ODI cricket for England for a long time,” captain Jos Buttler said Wednesday. “I’m excited

Following England's defeat against India in the first ODI match of the series, skipper Jos Buttler said that they failed to play as per their expectations in the game.Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer's mouthwatering fifties helped India to clinch a four-wicket triumph over England in the first ODI match of the series at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur on Thursday.

Debutant Harshit Rana grabbed three wickets and vice-captain Shubman Gill hit 87 runs off 96 balls for India to beat England by four wickets in the first one-day international at VCA Stadium on Thursday.