Jacob Bethell set to open as England name India ODI squad
England have named a 16-player squad for their Metro Bank ODI series against India, with Jacob Bethell included and Zak Crawley omitted. The Times reports Bethell is set to open alongside Ben Duckett, giving England a fresh top-order look before the three-match series starts at Edgbaston on 14 July.
Selectors confirmed the group on 1 July 2026, blending experience under Harry Brook with uncapped talent. The picks highlight how England are reshaping their 50-over side during India's white-ball tour of England, which runs through 19 July.
Key Takeaways
- Jacob Bethell is in the squad and, per The Times, set to open after Zak Crawley's omission.
- Uncapped all-rounder James Coles earns his first ODI call-up; Josh Tongue is yet to debut in the format.
- Gus Atkinson and Saqib Mahmood return, while Jamie Overton misses out through injury.
- Liam Dawson is included after retiring from red-ball cricket in May, with the 2027 50-over World Cup in view.
- The series runs 14–19 July at Edgbaston, Sophia Gardens and Lord's.
Who is in England's ODI squad against India?
The England and Wales Cricket Board named Harry Brook as captain in a 16-man group: Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, James Coles, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Saqib Mahmood, Adil Rashid, Joe Root and Josh Tongue.
Brook leads alongside established names including Buttler, Root, Rashid, Archer and Curran. Coles, a Sussex all-rounder, fetched the top price of £390,000 at The Hundred auction when bought by London Spirit and had already been picked for the ongoing T20 series against India.
Why has Zak Crawley been left out?
Sky Sports reports that Crawley, who was in England's squad for the Sri Lanka ODI series in January, has lost his place after a quiet domestic run. The Kent batter averaged 10.17 across his last six T20 Blast innings.
Jamie Overton, also included in January's squad, is unavailable after a right thigh injury in May while playing for Chennai Super Kings in the IPL. His absence helped create a route in for Coles.
What is Jacob Bethell's role in the new-look top order?
With Crawley dropped, The Times says Bethell is set to open with Duckett. The Warwickshire batter stays in the squad as England rethink their 50-over batting order.
Sky Sports notes Brook is likely to lead the side out at Edgbaston for the first ODI as captain, with Archer and Tongue both included after being rested for the opening T20 against India at Chester-le-Street.
When and where are the England vs India ODIs?
The Metro Bank series begins at Edgbaston on Tuesday 14 July (11am), moves to Sophia Gardens in Cardiff on Thursday 16 July (1pm), and concludes at Lord's on Sunday 19 July (11am).
India's white-ball tour of England runs from 1 to 19 July. For more trending sports and market crossover stories, see our Fintech & Crypto Alerts coverage.