Jamie Smith to Open Alongside Ben Duckett Against West Indies in Crucial ODI Series

England’s white-ball captain, Harry Brook, has taken a bold step in promoting Jamie Smith to open the batting alongside Ben Duckett in the upcoming three-match ODI series against West Indies. Smith, who averages 17.44 with the bat in 10 one-day internationals, will make his debut as an opener in List A cricket, a move that Brook believes could be “amazing” for the team.

Smith, who has previously batted at number three and kept wicket for the Test side, has the strength and technique to face the swinging ball, according to Brook. The 26-year-old captain also praised Smith’s ability to put pressure on the opposition from any position on the field.

The decision to promote Smith comes as a surprise, given that Surrey’s Will Jacks, a regular white-ball opener, was expected to take the spot. However, Jacks will instead bat at number seven, one place behind fellow spin-bowling all-rounder Jacob Bethell, who returns to international cricket after missing the Champions Trophy through injury.

The England team, which also includes Jos Buttler, who has returned from the Indian Premier League, will look to revive their fortunes in the series. England have lost their past seven ODIs and are in danger of missing out on automatic qualification for the 2027 World Cup. Brook’s side are currently eighth in the world rankings, one place ahead of West Indies, and will need to finish in the top nine by March 2027 to avoid a qualifying tournament.

Buttler, who resigned as captain in February, will keep wicket and bat at number five, a move that Brook believes will allow him to focus on his batting and showcase his skills. Brook is optimistic about the new era of English cricket and hopes to bring energy, competitiveness, and fun to the team.

The series begins on Thursday at Edgbaston, with England looking to get their campaign back on track. West Indies, who drew a three-match series in Ireland last week, are also looking to make a statement in the series. Their captain, Shai Hope, is confident that his team can tick off each box on their way to World Cup qualification, starting with a win in this series.

As England look to revive their fortunes, they will be without several key players, including pace bowlers Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, and Gus Atkinson, who are all missing due to injuries. However, they do have a strong bowling attack, led by Saqib Mahmood and Adil Rashid, and a deep batting lineup, which includes Jamie Overton and Brydon Carse, who are more than handy with the bat.

The stage is set for an exciting series, with both teams looking to make a statement in the world of cricket. England will be hoping to get their campaign back on track, while West Indies will be looking to make a statement in their bid for World Cup qualification.