Jamie Smith to Open, Harry Brook Leads: England Announce Playing XI for First ODI vs West Indies as New Era Begins

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced the playing XI for the first ODI of the three-match series against the West Indies scheduled on May 29 at Edgbaston, Birmingham. 

It will be the first time England will be playing an ODI after the dismal Champions Trophy 2025 campaign that saw Jos Buttler relinquish the white-ball captaincy.

England named Harry Brook as the new white-ball skipper. The series versus the Windies will mark the beginning of his captaincy tenure for England.

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England Reveal Revamped Playing XI for West Indies ODI Series Opener

In a notable change, Jamie Smith has been selected to open the batting alongside Ben Duckett, replacing Phil Salt, who was dropped after inconsistent performances during the Champions Trophy 2025.

Joe Root is expected to bat at number three, followed by captain Brook at four and Buttler at five. 

Jacob Bethell, fresh from his stint with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Indian Premier League 2025 (IPL 2025), is set to play at number six. Will Jacks, known for his aggressive batting, is slotted at number seven and will contribute both with the bat and as a part-time off-spinner.

The bowling attack comprises Jamie Overton, Brydon Carse and Saqib Mahmood as the pace trio, with Adil Rashid as the sole specialist spinner.  

Luke Wood, Tom Banton, Matthew Potts and Tom Hartley will sit on the bench.

Notably, Jofra Archer and Gus Atkinson have been ruled out of the series due to respective injuries.

England’s Playing XI for First ODI vs West Indies 

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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