England's Opening Duo for First West Indies ODI: Duckett's New Partner Revealed
England Announce Lineup for First ODI Under Captain Harry Brook
Following Harry Brook's appointment as England's ODI captain, the team has announced their XI for their initial game since his tenure commenced. Jamie Smith will make his debut as an opener, partnering Ben Duckett at the top.
Until this appointment, Smith had never opened in the 50-over format, even though he made his debut in this format against Ireland in 2023. During England's Champions Trophy campaign earlier this year, he moved up from the middle-order to bat at number three, but failed to excel, with a top score of 15 from three innings. Speaking to ESPNCricinfo in March, Smith admitted, "I felt I could have done a lot better... I definitely didn't need to be at top tempo straightaway."
Smith's opening partner, Duckett, has replaced Phil Salt in the squad for the opening match on May 30. England initially considered Will Jacks as another opener, a role he has played in eight ODI matches. However, Jacks is set to play at number seven due to his recent poor form, missing out on the Champions Trophy squad late last year.
At number three, Joe Root will return to his position, having moved down to accommodate Smith’s batting high up the order. Root has compiled an impressive 4,374 runs while batting at number three in 102 ODIs, and boasts an average of 49.70.
Brook, in his debut as a full-time captain, will bat at number four. Following Brook, Jos Buttler will come in at number five, with Jacob Bethell, back from a hamstring injury, occupying the sixth position.
The bowling attack includes Jamie Overton, Brydon Carse, Saqib Mahmood, and Adil Rashid, who is set to play his 150th ODI.
England XI for the first West Indies ODI:
Ben DuckettJamie SmithJoe RootHarry Brook (c)Jos Buttler (wk)Jacob BethellWill JacksJamie OvertonBrydon CarseSaqib MahmoodAdil Rashid
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International cricket news: Following Harry Brook's appointment as England's ODI captain, the team has announced their XI for the first ODI, featuring new opener Jamie Smith and Ben Duckett. The lineup also includes cricket stars like Joe Root, Jos Buttler, Jamie Overton, Brydon Carse, Saqib Mahmood, and Adil Rashid, with Rashid set to play his 150th ODI. Keep updated with sports news from England's cricket matches, including live scores, stats, and player updates, on our website.
