Jacob Bethell set to open as England name ODI squad for India

England have made their clearest statement yet about the future of their one-day side. Jacob Bethell is in line to open the batting after being named in England's 16-man ODI squad for this month's three-match series against India, while uncapped all-rounder James Coles earns his maiden call-up and fast bowlers Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson and Saqib Mahmood return.

The squad announcement signals another step in Harry Brook's rebuild of England's white-ball side ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup. Although the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) did not officially confirm the batting order, ESPNcricinfo reported that Bethell is expected to partner Ben Duckett at the top of the order after Zak Crawley was omitted from the squad.

England's selectors have continued their willingness to experiment with Bethell's role. The 22-year-old has primarily batted in the middle order in recent ODIs, but he has previous experience opening in 50-over cricket for England Under-19s and England Lions.

Here's the part nobody's saying out loud: England aren't simply filling a vacancy. They're testing whether Bethell can become a long-term multi-format opener. The move follows a period of constant change at the top of England's ODI order, with Duckett already partnering several different opening batsmen since early 2025. Selecting Bethell gives England another opportunity to balance their batting depth while keeping an extra bowling option in the XI.

James Coles is the headline newcomer after receiving his first ODI call-up following impressive domestic performances for Sussex. Josh Tongue, who is yet to make his ODI debut, also keeps his place in the squad.

The return of Archer, Atkinson and Mahmood significantly strengthens England's pace resources after all three missed the tour of Sri Lanka earlier this year for different reasons. Archer, in particular, returns to the ODI setup after last playing the format in November 2025.

Brook continues as England's white-ball captain, with experienced names Joe Root, Jos Buttler, Adil Rashid and Sam Curran providing continuity around a younger core.

England begin the three-match Metro Bank ODI series against India at Edgbaston on 14 July before travelling to Sophia Gardens and Lord's.

Bethell's expected promotion will be one of the biggest talking points when England announce their playing XI. If he succeeds alongside Duckett, England could finally settle an opening partnership that has been in flux for more than a year. If not, another reshuffle may follow. Either way, the selectors have made their intentions clear: this series is about building a World Cup-winning side, not simply winning three ODIs.