England began their white-ball home season against the West Indies. Harry Brook began his captaincy career as the home team showed off their blazing and attacking cricket against the visiting side. This is a huge series for England, considering their white-ball form over the last few years has taken a backseat.
After the retirement of Eoin Morgan, the English cricket team in the ODI and T20I format has been through some mixed-bag results. Jos Buttler led the side to the T20 World Cup win in 2022. This was followed by the first round exits in the 2023 ODI World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy. In 2024, England went to the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup before losing to eventual champions India in a one-sided encounter.
Here is the likely England’s Playing XI vs WI
Top order
Young wicketkeeper batter Jamie Smith showed his aggressive talents with the bat. Smith began the series with a 24-ball 37 runs and has continued to impress since his international debut. Ben Duckett, who has nailed down his place in the Test side, has started to make the opening slot his own in the ODI format. Duckett has been one of the better English batters in the last few years since his return to international cricket.
Middle Order
Former England skipper Joe Root has overtaken Eoin Morgan to become the highest run-getter for his national side in the ODI format. The 34-year-old has been one of the best batters in the world and will want to continue this in the current series. Harry Brook has taken to life as an English skipper well and continued to play attacking cricket to show his style of captaincy. Jos Buttler has continued his good form with the bat that was seen in the IPL 2025 season to score runs at a quick pace.
Lower-order
Young Jacob Bethell has been showcasing why he is called the next big thing in English cricket. Bethell has been playing a key role in the lower middle order for his side and will be looking to end the series on a high. Will Jacks’ presence in the playing XI shows the depth England has not just with the bat but also with the ball. Jacks can wield the willow with great effect in the final few overs and also roll his arm over and take key wickets. Brydon Carse will be keen to play a huge role with the bat and ball now that Jamie Overton has been ruled out of the series due to injury. Carse can bowl with good speed and is also a more than capable batter.
Tail enders
Veteran spinner Adil Rashid has been bowling well and hasn’t lost his verve with the ball in hand. Rashid has been one of the top bowlers for England in the ODI format and is the third-highest wicket-taker so far. Saqib Mahmood and Matthew Potts will be key bowlers with the new ball and will want to pick early wickets to put the West Indian side on the back foot.
ENG XI vs WI
Jamie Smith, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler, Jacob Bethell, Will Jacks, Brydon Carse, Adil Rashid, Saqib Mahmood, Matthew Potts.
Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.
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