England squad for ODI series in India 2008

Kevin Pietersen (captain)

Made an outstanding start to his captaincy career, guiding England to an emphatic 4-0 series triumph over a strong South Africa side without his batting form suffering. Faces an even bigger challenge over the next few weeks if England are to be successful in India.

Tim Ambrose

England’s first-choice one-day wicketkeeper during the NatWest Series against New Zealand will hope to take over the gloves from rival Matt Prior. The lower-middle order batsman is yet to find his feet with the bat in one-day internationals as he did in Tests by striking a century in his second match.

James Anderson

Struggled for form in the recent series success against South Africa, claiming only one wicket in the five matches, but remains a potent force with the new ball alongside Broad. Performed well the last time England were in India two years ago and is one of the more energetic fielders at Pietersen’s disposal.

Ian Bell

Now cemented as opener alongside the more aggressive Matt Prior, Bell’s role in India will be crucial in setting the tempo of England’s innings. Only has one century to his name in this format and will be eager for that record to improve.

Ravi Bopara

Remains on the fringes of England’s one-day side since Pietersen took over as captain and played in only one match during the series against South Africa. Will need to impress during the early stages in India if he is to reclaim his place in the one-day line-up.

Stuart Broad

Demonstrated his steady improvement as an international bowler by claiming 5-23, the fifth-best figures by an England bowler in a one-day international, against South Africa at Trent Bridge. Enjoyed success on the tour to Sri Lanka a year ago and that experience will be vital if he is to continue his development in this series.

Paul Collingwood

Resigned as captain of the one-day side in an attempt to recapture his form but is yet to rediscover his fluency. Enjoyed a consistent series in India two years ago and his ability against spin, coupled with his useful medium-pace, will be a key part of England’s strategy in India.

Alastair Cook

Another player who has found himself on the periphery of the one-day side since Pietersen’s elevation to captain. The opening batsman will be keen to improve his one-day credentials if given a chance in India.

Andrew Flintoff

Many doubted whether he could recapture his best form after a year out with injuries, but delivered brilliantly against South Africa with bat and ball to claim the man-of-the-series award. His big test comes now in India, where he has traditionally struggled with the bat.

Steve Harmison

Persuaded to come out of one-day international retirement by Pietersen, he has since been installed as a key member of the one-day side. Has formed a formidable partnership with Flintoff during the middle overs which has given England an extra dimension in their attack.

Amjad Khan

Copenhagen-born Kent fast bowler overcame a career-threatening knee injury sustained at Dennis Lillie bowling academy that saw him miss 2007 season. Returned to action this year and was called up from England Performance Programme to one-day squad to cover for injuries after fifth match at Cuttack.

Sajid Mahmood

Lancashire paceman made 25 ODI appearances from 2004-2007 but has not featured since World Cup in West Indies. Travelled to India as part of England Performance Programme and, like Khan, was called up to England ODI squad from EPP.

Samit Patel

Chosen ahead of Graeme Swann during the series success against South Africa, Patel coped well on the step up to international level and performed impressively, winning the man-of-the-match award at the Brit Oval. May be asked to work in tandem with Swann on the spin-friendly pitches in India.

Matt Prior

Recalled to England’s one-day ranks for the series against South Africa and demonstrated his improvement with the gloves by equalling Alec Stewart’s England one-day record of six catches in a match. Provides impetus at the top of the order but is yet to go on and play a major innings.

Owais Shah

Promoted to number three as soon as Pietersen was appointed as captain, Shah’s wristy approach to his batting could be a key factor in England’s fortunes. Also demonstrated his ability to play an attacking role against South Africa at Lord’s by hammering 44 off 40 balls.

Ryan Sidebottom

Injuries have restricted his involvement in recent matches, ruling him out of the entire series against South Africa and part of the home series against New Zealand earlier this summer. Played a key role in England’s victory in Sri Lanka a year ago and his control will be similarly useful in this coming series.

Graeme Swann

Appeared to have cemented his place as England’s one-day spinner until the emergence of county team-mate Patel towards the end of last summer. Should have a greater opportunity to force a recall in India, where England may consider playing two spinners on dusty pitches.

Luke Wright

Has been moved back down the order after attempts to establish him as a pinch-hitter, but Wright is regarded as key part of England’s one-day future. A big-hitter and useful seamer, his first series in India will be crucial to his learning curve.