Will Jacob Bethell Open in England vs India ODI Series 2026?

The England squad for the home ODI series against India has been announced with Harry Brook as the captain. The team looks strong with some of the best cricketers in the world part of the squad.

However, the biggest surprise was the lack of openers in England ODI squad for this series. Ben Duckett is the only opening batter in the 16-member squad which has plenty of middle order batters.

Phil Salt, who is a first-choice England opener in T20Is, has not been selected for the ODIs after his poor returns in the Champions Trophy earlier this year. England also tried Jamie Smith as the opener, however, it didn't work out well for them and as a result, he is not a part of the team as well.

Will Jacob Bethell Open in ENG vs IND 1st ODI?

According to Cricinfo, Jacob Bethell is the frontrunner to open the batting alongside Ben Duckett in the ENG vs IND 1st ODI. If this turns out to be true, Bethell will be Duckett's fifth opening partner.

Usually, Jacob Bethell batting position is at the top, which augurs well for a player who is in line to open. He has the experience of opening the batting for England Lions and England U-19 cricket team.

The talented batter has batted at No. 4 for England in ODIs and T20Is. Being one of the best batsmen in the world, he is rated highly by the selectors and the team management, and is already seen as the future of England cricket.

Bethell famously scored a magnificent century during a lost cause in the ICC T20 World Cup semi-final earlier this year against India. The knock was a perfect example of what the youngster is capable of achieving in the rest of his career.

England Pick Strong Batting Order

After the openers, England's middle order looks strong with Joe Root expected to take the No. 3 slot. Skipper Harry Brook will bat at No. 4 with Jos Buttler likely to play below him in the batting order.

All-rounder Will Jacks, who played well in the lower order during the T20 World Cup 2026, is expected to bat in the lower order as a finisher. With Tom Banton in the squad as well, they have an extra batter who can be included in the playing 11 if the need arises.

The IND vs ENG ODI series is going to be an important one for both teams as they prepare for the next year's World Cup. Both are amongst the best cricket teams in the world, and will be favorites to win the title.

England Squad for India ODI Series 2026

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