Jacob Bethell is set to open the batting in England’s ODI series against India, in a move that could foreshadow a future elevation in Test cricket. They have included two uncapped players in their squad for the three-match series later this month in James Coles and Josh Tongue, with Gus Atkinson and Saqib Mahmood both recalled.
Ben Duckett has had four different opening partners in 50-over cricket since the start of last year. Phil Salt was dropped after the Champions Trophy, and his replacement Jamie Smith was discarded after averaging 26.11 in nine innings. In their most recent series against Sri Lanka in January, Zak Crawley made 6 in his only innings, and Rehan Ahmed was used as a pinch-hitter.
Cricinfo has learned that Bethell is in line to become Duckett’s fifth opening partner against India, a promotion from his recent role at No. 4. He has previously opened the batting in 50-over cricket for both England Under-19s and England Lions, and could potentially shuffle up from his role at No. 3 in Test cricket in the future.
England’s rejigged ODI batting line-up is expected to feature Joe Root, captain Harry Brook and wicketkeeper Jos Buttler from No. 3-5, while Will Jacks will continue to bat in the middle order after his success at the T20 World Cup. There is then a decision to make around the balance of the side, with a choice between an extra batter in Tom Banton or an additional bowling option.
Jofra Archer will return to ODI cricket after he was rested for January’s series win in Sri Lanka, while Atkinson’s and Tongue’s inclusions mean that England’s seam attack looks increasingly similar to the one they used in their recent Test series against New Zealand. Mahmood is also in line for a return after missing England’s ODIs this winter with a knee injury.
Brydon Carse (hand) and Jamie Overton (quad) are both unavailable after injuries, though Carse trained with England before their washed-out first T20I in Durham on Wednesday night. Liam Dawson is another notable inclusion, signalling that he will come into contention for the 2027 World Cup in South Africa with the uncapped Coles offering a similar skillset.
India have named a strong squad for the 50-over leg of the tour, with Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah and Virat Kohli (fitness permitting) all included. The three-match series starts at Edgbaston on July 14, before moving to Cardiff (July 16) and Lord’s (July 19).
England ODI squad: Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook (captain), Jos Buttler, James Coles, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Saqib Mahmood, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Josh Tongue.
In: Archer, Atkinson, Coles, Mahmood, Tongue
Out: Brydon Carse (hand), Zak Crawley (dropped), Jamie Overton (quad), Luke Wood (dropped).
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