LONDON: Joe Root is expected to be available for the opening ODI of the series between England and India after missing the start of the tour to witness the birth of his first child. Root, England’s highest rated ODI batsman (he is currently No. 7 in the ICC’s rankings), is expected to fly to India on Wednesday (January 11) having been by his partner’s side as she gave birth to their son. The rest of the squad flew to India on January 5, which was the baby’s due date. England play two warm-up matches in Mumbai on January 10 and 12 before the first ODI in Pune on January 15. While Root’s plans have not been confirmed, the ECB hope he will be able to play in that second warm-up game and anticipate him being available for the first ODI.