Bethell to open as England announce playing eleven for first ODI against India
Birmingham, July 13
Batting all-rounder Jacob Bethell is set to open the batting alongside Ben Duckett as England announced their playing eleven for the opening One-day International of the three-match series against India, to be played at Edgbaston in Birmingham on Tuesday.
The match will also mark a momentous personal milestone for wicketkeeper-batter Jos Buttler, who will be making his 200th ODI appearance. Buttler, a vital cog in England's white-ball set-up, made his 50-over international debut against Pakistan in Dubai back on February 21, 2012, and has amassed 5,515 runs so far at an average of 39.11, including hitting 11 centuries and 29 fifties.
The decision to elevate the young and dynamic Bethell, who has made 21 ODI appearances so far, to the top of the order signals England's intention to find a stable opening partner for Duckett.
Interestingly, Bethell is all set to become Duckett's fifth opening partner in recent times, following stints by Phil Salt, Jamie Smith, Zak Crawley, and Rehan Ahmed. Harry Brook-led England have also opted for a spin-heavy bowling combination in Will Jacks, Liam Dawson, and Adil Rashid to stifle the robust Indian batting lineup, featuring the likes of captain Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul.
Jofra Archer, who had a good time in the 4-0 T20I series win, is back in the ODI set-up for the first time since November last year and will handle fast-bowling duties with Josh Tongue, which means there's no place for Gus Atkinson. Following the series opener at Edgbaston, India and England will play further ODIs in Cardiff (July 16) and Lord's (July 19).
England playing eleven: Jacob Bethell, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Harry Brook (captain), Jos Buttler (wk), Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Jofra Archer, Liam Dawson, Josh Tongue, and Adil Rashid
— IANS
Reader Comments
England's spin-heavy attack might not trouble our top order much. We've been playing spin well lately. But Jofra Archer could be dangerous on this track. Also, happy for Buttler reaching 200 ODIs - he's been a fantastic player over the years.
Honestly, why is Root not opening? He has the experience. Bethell is talented but 21 ODIs only? Bit risky for a series opener. But credit to England for backing young talent. Let's see what happens - India should win this one comfortably. 😎
Why are they experimenting so much? Bethell as opener, no Gus Atkinson? I feel England are making it easy for us. And with Virat Kohli coming back in form, I think we'll chase whatever they set. Gill and Rohit to fire at the top! 🔥
Comments about England's selection: I think it's a bold move but not necessarily a smart one. Bethell has potential but against India's pace attack of Bumrah and Shami (assuming they play), he might struggle. Root at 3 is solid though. Should be a competitive match at Edgbaston - always a good crowd. Let's go India! 🇮🇳🏏
As an England fan, I'm a bit nervous about this lineup. Bethell opening is a gamble, and not having Archer in the T20 series made sense but now? Also dropping Atkinson seems harsh. But Harry Brook as captain is exciting. India has a strong batting lineup, hope our spinners can contain them. Good luck to both teams!
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