Edgbaston, July 14 -- India captain Shubman Gill praised his side's middle order for steering the team to a six-wicket win over England in the first ODI, saying the performance gives confidence to both the batting unit and the leadership group.

Speaking at the post-match presentation, Gill said India's experienced batting line-up allowed the team to back its decision to bowl first despite fielding a relatively young bowling attack.

"When you see your middle order, lower middle order score runs like that and finish off the job for the team, you get a lot of confidence as a captain and as a top order batsman," Gill said.

Explaining the decision at the toss, Gill said the move was based on the team's combination rather than the pitch.

"I...