Bethell to be fifth new ODI opener in 18 months as Crawley is dropped

By the Editorial Team · Saturday, July 4, 2026

Jacob Bethell has been named as England’s opening batsman for the upcoming ODI series against India, replacing Zak Crawley and partnering Ben Duckett at the top of the order. This move not only marks Bethell’s ODI opening debut but could also indicate his potential future role as an opener in Test cricket, as England prepares for a packed white-ball schedule ahead of the 2027 World Cup.

England’s One Day International (ODI) squad for the upcoming three-match series against India will feature Jacob Bethell as an opening batsman following the exclusion of Zak Crawley. Bethell, 22, will partner Ben Duckett at the top of the order, becoming England’s fifth opening partner for Duckett since early 2022. Crawley had been part of the ODI setup for the recent series against Sri Lanka but only featured in one innings before Rehan Ahmed was deployed as a pinch-hitter.

Bethell has primarily batted at number four in previous ODIs but has experience opening in England Under-19 and England Lions fixtures. This adjustment could also signal a potential elevation for him to open in the Test side. The England squad for the series includes two uncapped players, James Coles and Josh Tongue, alongside recalled bowlers Gus Atkinson and Saqib Mahmood, who returns to full fitness following a knee injury that ruled him out of the winter matches.

Middle-order batting options feature Will Jacks, Joe Root, Harry Brook, and Jos Buttler. Fast bowler Jofra Archer is set to return to ODI cricket after being rested for the prior series. The Indian team touring England has named a strong lineup that includes Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, and Virat Kohli.

The ODI series will commence on July 14 at Edgbaston, followed by matches at Cardiff on July 16 and Lord’s on July 19. These fixtures will be followed by a mid-season break in international cricket to accommodate the Hundred competition. Prior to the ODIs, England will play a four-match T20 International series against India, beginning at Old Trafford.

In the first T20I, England have made two changes: Josh Tongue is set to make his international T20 debut alongside Jofra Archer, while Saqib Mahmood and Luke Wood have been omitted from the playing XI that took the field at Durham during the previous match, which was abandoned due to rain during England’s innings.

The scheduling of the T20 series soon after England’s five-Test series against New Zealand has raised concerns about player workload, especially for those participating across multiple formats. The next major global white-ball tournament is the 50-over World Cup scheduled for late 2027 in South Africa and Zimbabwe.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) recently disclosed that the current eight white-ball matches against India are expected to generate a financial profit, primarily due to lucrative broadcasting agreements. However, the ECB projects a financial loss in 2027, despite that year featuring an Ashes series.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.