Jamie Smith in as ECB announces England playing XI for first ODI against West Indies after Champions Trophy 2025 fiasco

The England Cricket Board (ECB) have confirmed their playing XI for the first ODI of the three-match series against West Indies. This will be England's first ODI outing after the team's poor outing in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The series also marks the start of skipper Harry Brook's captaincy era in white-ball cricket and RCB also pushed Jamie Smith as an opener, Ben Duckett. Phil Salt has been dropped from England's ODI setup after the Champions Trophy debacle and Smith has now filled the vacant spot at the top of the order.

ECB has made some interesting choices for their ODI series, especially to maintain team balance. Will Jacks, who was supposed to bat higher up the order, has been slotted in at number seven. He’s expected to take on the finisher’s role and also pitch in as the fifth bowling option.

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In terms of pace, England has gone with Saqib Mahmood, Jamie Overton, and Brydon Carse, while Adil Rashid remains the only specialist spinner in the squad. Outside of Jacks, the team has a couple more part-time bowling options in Jacob Bethell and the returning Joe Root.

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This series also marks a new era of leadership — Harry Brook will captain England’s white-ball side for the first time and is set to bat at number four. Meanwhile, Jos Buttler is back in the squad but no longer wearing the captain’s armband.

One noticeable risk is England's decision to not play five full-time bowlers. Overton, for example, isn’t someone you’d usually expect to bowl a full 10-over spell. A few fans were expecting Matthew Potts to get a game, but he’ll have to wait for his opportunity.

The first match of the series kicks off at Edgbaston in Birmingham on May 29, with the next two games scheduled for June 1 and June 3.

England Playing XI: Ben Duckett, Jamie Smith, Joe Root, Harry Brook (C), Jos Buttler (WK), Jacob Bethell, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Brydon Carse, Saqib Mahmood, Adil Rashid

Bench - Tom Banton, Luke Wood, Matthew Potts, Tom Hartley