Jacob Bethell is set to open the batting for England’s ODI series against India, which could herald a future upswing in Test cricket. Later this month they included two uncapped players in their squad for the three-match series – James Coles and Josh Tong – and also recalled Gus Atkinson and Saqib Mahmood. Ben Duckett has had four different starting partners in over-50 cricket since the start of last year. Phil Salt was dropped after the Champions Trophy and his replacement Jamie Smith was dropped after averaging 26.11 in his nine innings. In their last series against Sri Lanka in January, Zak Crawley scored 6 runs in his only innings and Rehan Ahmed was used as a striker.
Cricinfo has learned that Bethell could become Duckett’s fifth opening partner in this time period against India, an upgrade from his recent role at No. 4. He has previously opened the 50-over cricket account for both England Under-19s and England Lions, and could potentially step down from his No. 3 role in Test cricket in the future.
England’s revamped ODI squad is expected to include Joe Root, captain Harry Brooke and wicketkeeper Jos Buttler at Nos 3-5, with Will Jacks continuing to bat in the middle order following his T20 World Cup success. A decision then needs to be made on the team’s balance, with the choice between an extra batter in Tom Banton or an extra bowling option. Jofra Archer will return to ODI cricket after being rested for January’s series win in Sri Lanka, while the inclusion of Atkinson and Tong means England’s seam attack is becoming increasingly similar to the one they used in their recent Test series against New Zealand. Mahmood could also return after missing England’s ODIs this winter with a knee injury.
Braydon Carse (arm) and Jamie Overton (quad) are both unavailable due to injury, although Carse trained with England ahead of their disappointing first T20I match in Durham on Wednesday night. Liam Dawson is another notable inclusion, signaling he will go into contention for the 2027 World Cup in South Africa with Coles Uncapped offering a similar skill set.
Players included in the England squad are likely to be left out of the T20 Blast playoffs, although some players may be released to play for their counties if they are not required.
India have named a strong 50-man squad for the tour leg which includes Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah and Virat Kohli (fitness permitting). The three-match series kicks off at Edgbaston on July 14 before moving on to Cardiff (July 16) and Lord’s (July 19).
England ODI squad: Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brooke (captain), Jos Buttler, James Coles, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Saqib Mahmood, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Josh Tong.
IN: Archer, Atkinson, Coles, Mahmud, Language
Outside: Braydon Carse (hand), Zak Crawley (fall), Jamie Overton (quadruple), Luke Wood (fall).