ENG Vs WI, 1st ODI: Jamie Smith To Debut As Harry Brook Kicks Off Captaincy Stint 바카라� Check Playing XI

Smith, traditionally a middle-order batter and Test wicketkeeper, has never opened in List A cricket. But Brook and head coach Brendon McCullum believe the 23-year-old could be an 바카라�amazing바카라� opener in the white-ball setup.

바카라�We바카라�ve got a hunch,바카라� Brook said. 바카라�He바카라�s opened in first-class and T20s before and we think he can take advantage of the powerplay.바카라�

Smith partners Ben Duckett at the top, while Jos Buttler바카라�freed from captaincy duties following England바카라�s dismal Champions Trophy campaign바카라�returns at No. 5 with the gloves. Brook called Buttler 바카라�the best white-ball player in the world바카라� and hopes his return to a more focused batting role will reignite his game.

England have lost their last seven ODIs and begin the three-match series in eighth place in the ICC rankings바카라�just ahead of West Indies. With qualification for the 2027 World Cup looming large, Brook stressed the importance of momentum: 바카라�It바카라�s a new era with new leadership. We want to bring energy, compete hard, and have fun doing it.바카라�

The squad includes IPL returnees Jacob Bethell, Will Jacks, and Buttler, offering the side better balance than seen during recent white-ball struggles. Jacks, who often opens in T20s, will instead bat at No. 7, just ahead of fellow all-rounder Bethell and pacers Jamie Overton and Brydon Carse.

The bowling attack will lack Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, and Gus Atkinson, all out injured.

West Indies, led by Shai Hope, enter the series focused on their own qualification battle. 바카라�It바카라�s a fresh start,바카라� Hope said. 바카라�We know what바카라�s at stake. To get to 2027, we have to tick every box now.바카라�

Bethell, playing on his home ground at Edgbaston, will face off against his birthplace, Barbados, with Hope praising the 21-year-old as a 바카라�formidable talent.바카라� But as Hope warned, 바카라�We바카라�re enemies this time.바카라�