BIRMINGHAM, United Kingdom, May 29, (V7N) – West Indies captain Shai Hope won the toss and elected to field in the first ODI of the three-match series against England at Edgbaston on Thursday.

This match marks a new era for both sides. For England, Harry Brook leads the team for the first time in ODIs, while Jamie Smith opens the innings in a fresh role, following England’s dismal run at the Champions Trophy in February, where Smith managed just 24 runs in three innings batting at No. 3.

England are in desperate need of a turnaround, having lost seven consecutive ODIs and winning only three of 14 matches since the beginning of 2024. Former captain Jos Buttler remains in the side as wicketkeeper.

Meanwhile, the West Indies come in with better recent form, having won seven of their last 10 ODIs, including a 2-1 series win over England in November 2024 and a 1-1 draw in Ireland earlier this month. Keacy Carty was the star in Dublin, smashing 170 off 142 balls, the joint-sixth highest score in West Indies ODI history, helping his side to a 197-run win.

Despite their improved form, the Caribbean side failed to qualify for the 2023 Cricket World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy.

Playing XIs:

England:

Jamie Smith

Ben Duckett

Joe Root

Harry Brook (capt)

Jos Buttler (wkt)

Jacob Bethell

Will Jacks

Jamie Overton

Brydon Carse

Adil Rashid

Saqib Mahmood

West Indies:

Brandon King

Justin Greaves

Keacy Carty

Shai Hope (capt/wkt)

Amir Jangoo

Roston Chase

Jewel Andrew

Matthew Forde

Alzarri Joseph

Gudakesh Motie

Jayden Seales

Officials:

Umpires: Kumar Dharmasena (SRI), Martin Saggers (ENG)

TV Umpire: Adrian Holdstock (RSA)

Match Referee: Jeff Crowe (NZ).

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