The hardest thing to do in modern-day cricket is to shift gears when you are already cruising. Fresh off a 4-0 dismantling of reigning World T20 champion India in the shortest format, England will face a different kind of test from Tuesday.

Awaiting the host in the ODI series is a significantly stronger Indian side, bolstered by the return of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah. For England, the presence of India’s talismanic trio demands a change in the gameplan.

In a virtual interaction on Monday, opener Ben Duckett acknowledged the scale of the “challenge” but insisted that England was confident of carrying its momentum into the 50-over assignment. “Obviously, it’s a different format, so there will be slight changes. Rohit, Virat and Jasprit are three of the greatest players to play this format. Any side with them is always extremely tough to beat,” said Duckett.

“Shubman Gill is back as well, so there’s a lot of class in that side. They’re (Rohit, Kohli and Gill) players we’ve faced before, and I’m sure our bowlers will have plans for them. Jasprit is probably the best all-format bowler in the world, so any Indian side with him is always a huge challenge,” added the 31-year-old.

The left-hander, however, remained optimistic about the home side clinching the series. “We’re confident coming into this week. We’ve got a lot of guys playing well, too, so it should be a good series. We certainly fancy our chances,” he said.

Duckett reserved special praise for England’s white-ball captain Harry Brook, crediting him for fostering an “aggressive and fearless” approach within the group.

“Brookie leads by example. He wants us to play attacking cricket, and that’s exactly how he plays. He’s always looking to take wickets with attacking fields. As a batter, there aren’t many better all-format players than him in the world right now. We’re very fortunate to have him leading us.”

(Watch the three-match ODI series between England and India Live on Sony Sports Ten 1 SD & HD & Sony Sports Ten 5 SD & HD from July 14).

Former England off-spinner Graeme Swann was suffering from the aftereffects of staying up all night for the FIFA World Cup quarterfinal matches.

Scheduled to address the media virtually on Sunday evening, Swann — currently on broadcast duty in India for the Men in Blue’s tour of England — would not have minded more rest before facing the scribes. But when he was put on the spot, firstly with the most obvious question on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s presence in the ODI series, he responded with clarity.

Swann opined that the 39-year-old Rohit and Kohli, 37, possess the tools to succeed despite not having age on their side. “When Rohit and Virat play together, they pose a double headache for the fielding team. When India bats first, Rohit is the best I have seen… batting on a fresh pitch, taking the game away from the opposition and posting a big total,” said the 47-year-old.

“I believe that Virat is the greatest chaser we have ever witnessed; some of his knocks are stupendous. Having both is a massive bonus for India.”

He remarked that the veterans, who are one-format players nowadays, should be allowed to bow out of international cricket on their own terms. “Because of the standards Rohit and Virat have set and careers they have had, it is up to them when they want to finish. I do not think that they have much to worry about because they are still brilliant players,” Swann added.

Fresh impetus

Swann felt that the batting might of ODI skipper Shubman Gill and return of ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah, besides the quality of Rohit and Kohli, should provide India hope. “It is amazing to have players of that stature come straight back into the team. After the T20I series (where India was thrashed 0-4), you need fresh impetus.”

(Watch the three-match ODI series between England and India live on Sony Sports Ten 1 SD & HD & Sony Sports Ten 5 SD & HD from July 14).