Bethell primed to open in England’s newly-named ODI squad for India

England have announced a 16-man ODI squad for the 3-match home series vs India starting July 14, 2026, with Jacob Bethell tipped to open after Zak Crawley was dropped. Ben Duckett has had four different opening partners in 50-over cricket since the start of last year. Phil Salt was dropped after the Champions Trophy, and his replacement Jamie Smith was discarded after averaging 26.11 in nine innings. In their most recent series against Sri Lanka in January, Zak Crawley made 6 in his only innings, and Rehan Ahmed was used as a pinch-hitter. Bethell to open: The 22-year-old is set to partner Ben Duckett at the top. Bethell has previously batted at No.4 in ODIs but has opened for England U19 and Lions. This will be his 5th opening partner for Duckett since last year. Full squad: Harry Brook (c), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler (wk), James Coles, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Saqib Mahmood, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Josh Tongue. Changes from Sri Lanka series: In come Archer, Atkinson, Mahmood and uncapped Sussex all-rounder James Coles for his maiden ODI call-up. Out go Zak Crawley, Brydon Carse, Jamie Overton and Luke Wood due to injuries/form. England's rejigged ODI batting line-up is expected to feature Joe Root, captain Harry Brook and wicketkeeper Jos Buttler from No. 3-5, while Will Jacks will continue to bat in the middle order after his success at the T20 World Cup. There is then a decision to make around the balance of the side, with a choice between an extra batter in Tom Banton or an additional bowling option. Jofra Archer will return to ODI cricket after he was rested for January's series win in Sri Lanka, while Atkinson's and Tongue's inclusions mean that England's seam attack looks increasingly similar to the one they used in their recent Test series against New Zealand. Mahmood is also in line for a return after missing England's ODIs this winter with a knee injury. England won their last ODI series 2-1 vs Sri Lanka. India come in with Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah back. Both teams are using this series to build toward the 2027 World Cup in South Africa. Players named in England's squad are likely to be ruled out of the knockout stages of the T20 Blast, though some players may be released to play for their counties if they are not required.