England have named their XI for their first ODI since Harry Brook's appointment as captain, with Jamie Smith set to partner Ben Duckett at the top of the order.
Jamie Smith to open the batting with Ben Duckett
Smith has never previously opened that batting in the 50-over format, which he made his debut in against Ireland in 2023. He moved up from the middle-order to bat at three during England's Champions Trophy campaign earlier this year, but made a highest score of 15 from three innings, and was dismissed playing aggressive shots on all three occasions. Smith subsequently told ESPNCricinfo in March: "I felt I could have done a lot better... I definitely didn't need to be at top tempo straightaway."
The 24-year-old will open alongside Duckett, having replaced Phil Salt – who has opened for England in every one of their ODIs since the 2023 World Cup - in the squad for the opening match of the series on Friday (May 30). Another option England had to open with was Will Jacks, who has played as an opener in ODIs eight times. Jacks missed out on England's Champions Trophy squad after a run of poor scores in the Caribbean late last year, but will play in a new position at No.7 in their XI on Friday.
England have announced their XI for the first ODI against the West Indies on Thursday.#ENGvWI pic.twitter.com/zpNi3knCbd
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) May 28, 2025
England XI for first ODI against West Indies
Joe Root will also return to his spot at No.3, having moved down a spot to allow room for Smith to bat further up the order. Root has played 102 ODIs batting at three, and has scored 4,374 runs in the position at an average of 49.70.
In his first match as full-time captain, Brook will bat at No.4, with Jos Buttler set to come in at No.5 before Jacob Bethell, who comes back into the side having been ruled-out of the Champions Trophy with a hamstring injury.
The bowling attack will be made up of Jamie Overton, Brydon Carse – who returns to international cricket following an injury lay-off – and Saqib Mahmood, while Adil Rashid is set to play his 150th ODI.
England XI for first West Indies ODI: Ben Duckett, Jamie Smith, Joe Root, Harry Brook (c), Jos Buttler (wk), Jacob Bethell, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Brydon Carse, Saqib Mahmood, Adil Rashid.
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