India will likely promote Ajinkya Rahane to opening batsman following the loss of Rohit Sharma to a finger injury.
The team called back M. Vijay, who had flown home after the Tests, but he has not arrived in England yet.
The team will also likely employ Ambati Rayudu at No. 4, according to CricInfo.
“Rohit Sharma, one of the more important variables in India’s one-day formula, is out injured. The top three haven’t managed the kind of foundations Dhoni prefers. The India captain likes his cogs in place. He likes a strong score on the board. He likes to come in late and hike the total further. He likes a couple of early wickets so his spinners can prey on uncertain batsmen. He knows how to work his individual resources to harmonise with each other, like an orchestra conductor,” the outlet said in its preview of the 3rd ODI on Saturday.
“However, in the past five years, India have lost four series on the road and one of their two successes have been against Zimbabwe. Dhoni and his team would want to prove they have the requisite ruthlessness that comes with being world champions.”
Sharma broke the middle finger on his right hand, the BCCI said in a press release.
19-year-old Sanju Samson is also an option for the middle order.
Rohit was promoted to the top order in January 2013.
The 3rd ODI is slated to start at 10:30 a.m. BST (3 p.m. IST).
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