England hand maiden ODI call-up to James Coles; Jofra Archer returns for India series

England have announced a 16-member squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against India, with James Coles earning his maiden call-up in the 50-over format. The selectors have also recalled Jofra Archer, while Josh Tongue, who also has not made his ODI debut, has also been included in the squad for the marquee series. 

Sussex all-rounder Coles has been rewarded for his consistent performances in domestic cricket and will have the opportunity to make his international debut during the home series. Archer, meanwhile, returns to England’s ODI setup for the first time since featuring against the West Indies in November last year.

Fast bowlers Gus Atkinson and Saqib Mahmood have also been recalled after missing England’s ODI tour of Sri Lanka earlier this year. Meanwhile, it is being widely circulated that Jacob Bethell might be playing as an opener for the English side. He is set to open alongside Ben Duckett.

White-ball captain Harry Brook will continue to lead the side as England begin preparations for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 to be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. Brook remains in charge of the ODI team while also being among the frontrunners to succeed Ben Stokes as England’s Test captain.

Compared to the squad that toured Sri Lanka in January and February, England have made four changes. Archer, Atkinson, Mahmood, and Coles replace Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Jamie Overton, and Luke Wood. The remainder of the squad has been retained as England continue to build stability in their white-ball setup ahead of next year’s global tournament.

The three-match ODI series between England and India will kick off at Edgbaston on July 14. The action will then shift to Sophia Gardens for the second ODI on July 16, before the series concludes at the iconic venue of Lord’s on July 19.

England ODI squad for India series:

Harry Brook (captain), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, James Coles, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Saqib Mahmood, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, and Josh Tongue.