Bethell to Open with Duckett as England Name XI for India ODI; Buttler Set for 200th Match

Birmingham, July 2026 : England have unveiled their playing XI for the opening One-Day International against India at Edgbaston on Tuesday, with young all-rounder Jacob Bethell promoted to open the innings alongside Ben Duckett in a move aimed at strengthening the team’s top order ahead of the three-match series.

The match will also mark a major personal milestone for veteran wicketkeeper-batter Jos Buttler, who is set to play his 200th ODI for England. One of England’s most successful white-ball cricketers, Buttler made his ODI debut against Pakistan in Dubai on February 21, 2012. Over the past 14 years, he has established himself as one of the country’s finest limited-overs batters, scoring 5,515 runs at an average of 39.11, including 11 centuries and 29 half-centuries.

England’s decision to promote Bethell to the top of the order reflects the management’s search for a dependable opening partner for Duckett. The 21-ODI veteran becomes the fifth player to partner Duckett at the top in recent times, following experiments with Phil Salt, Jamie Smith, Zak Crawley, and Rehan Ahmed.

Captain Harry Brook has opted for a balanced combination featuring three spin-bowling options in Will Jacks, Liam Dawson, and veteran leg-spinner Adil Rashid, as England look to counter India’s formidable batting lineup comprising Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer.

The return of express pacer Jofra Archer further strengthens England’s attack. Archer, who impressed during England’s dominant 4-0 T20I series victory over India, returns to the ODI side for the first time since November last year. He will share the new-ball responsibilities with Josh Tongue, while Gus Atkinson misses out on selection for the series opener.

England will hope the fresh combination can provide the ideal start against an Indian side entering the ODI series with several senior players returning after the T20 leg of the tour.

Following the opening clash at Edgbaston, the two teams will travel to Cardiff for the second ODI on July 16, before concluding the series at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground on July 19.

The three-match series marks the beginning of both teams’ preparations for the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup, making team combinations and player performances crucial as they build towards the global tournament.

England Playing XI: Jacob Bethell, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Harry Brook (captain), Jos Buttler (wicketkeeper), Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Jofra Archer, Liam Dawson, Josh Tongue and Adil Rashid.

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