India present a different challenge than our recent opponents: Root

England batsman Joe Root feels India present a different challenge than their recent opponents including Australia and the home team will have to be at the top of its game to beat the Virat Kohli-led outfit in the three-match ODI series beginning here tomorrow.

England had beaten Australia 5-0 in the home ODI series last month.

India have been a really strong team in this format for a long time. They won (ODI series) last time they came over here. I know it was a very different side they played against but it is a really good marker to see where we are, said Root on Wednesday.

We have played some really strong cricket in one day format and India are right up there as one of the best one day sides in the world. They present different challenges to the ones we have recently faced but we know that if we play to our potential, keep learning and improving we will be a difficult side to play especially at home, he added.

For Root, this series holds prime personal importance. He couldn't cope with wrist spin in both T20Is at Manchester and Cardiff. He was dropped subsequently for the Bristol game, but continues to be a pivotal part of the ODI set up.

I fully understood the decision. It can't have been an easy one for them to make but that is part and parcel of having a really strong squad. You have to take that. It is always difficult being left out and you never like that as a player. Having been captain myself I know how hard it can be.

One thing is for sure is it is great to see Ben Stokes back to somewhere near fully fit. He is such a big asset to all three teams and with him firing hopefully throughout this series we will see some really strong performances from him and long term for England that is a really good thing," he said.

Root said he doesn't fear losing his place in the limited overs teams.

I don't have any fears about it. I want to see us being as complete a side as possible in all three competitions, but I want to be a part of them. It's difficult because of the limited opportunities I've had to play T20 cricket, but the thing that has always been at the forefront of my mind is that playing for England comes first."