Jamie Smith will open the batting for England in Thursday’s ODI towards West Indies at Edgbaston, captain Harry Brook confirmed on Wednesday forward of the three-match sequence.
“He’s obtained the power to take action — the approach to have the ability to face the swinging ball,” mentioned Brook, who takes cost of his first match since changing Jos Buttler as captain.
Smith, who will open alongside Ben Duckett, batted at three throughout England’s disappointing Champions Trophy marketing campaign, averaging a meagre eight with a high rating of 15.
He is available in at seven for the Take a look at group.
“Baz (head coach Brendon McCullum] and I’ve this want that he may very well be an unbelievable white-ball opener,” Brook mentioned.
England Taking part in XI vs West Indies
“I’m not saying he has cemented his spot, however he’s going to get a very good crack. He’s such an immense participant and may play the shifting ball, as we now have seen in Take a look at cricket. There isn’t a purpose he can’t bang it as an opener.”
Former captain Buttler and all-rounders Jacob Bethell and Will Jacks are all within the aspect after coming back from the Indian Premier League (IPL) whereas Joe Root is slated to return in at three with Brook at 4.
Tempo bowlers Jofra Archer, Mark Wooden and Gus Atkinson are all lacking due to accidents however Brydon Carse has recovered from a toe challenge and might be joined by Saqib Mahmood and Jamie Overton within the tempo assault.
England was de-throned as ODI world champion after which suffered a dire Champions Trophy throughout the area of 9 months and Brook mentioned it was time to start a brand new chapter.
“Hopefully we are able to carry a whole lot of vitality, competitiveness and lot of enjoyable on the market,” Brook mentioned.
“We wish to interact the group as a lot as we are able to and attempt to get some wins below our belt. I do know lads have typically mentioned that we don’t care about profitable however that’s not true. All people hates shedding.”
England is ranked eighth within the ODI standings with West Indies ninth and with solely the highest eight, excluding hosts South Africa and Zimbabwe, incomes automated qualification for the 2027 World Cup, there may be lots at stake within the sequence.
The second match takes place in Cardiff on Sunday with the third on the Oval on Tuesday.