• Jamie Smith will open batting for England in the first ODI against West Indies.
• Captain Harry Brook emphasizes Smith's potential as a white-ball opener.
• England aims to improve its ODI standings amid recent defeats.
• The match takes place at Edgbaston on Thursday.
• West Indies recently performed poorly in their own series, adding pressure to both teams.

Jamie Smith will open the batting for England in the first One Day International (ODI) against the West Indies at Edgbaston on Thursday, as confirmed by captain Harry Brook. Smith will accompany Ben Duckett at the top of the order, aiming to enhance England's batting after a disappointing performance in the ICC Champions Trophy, where he averaged just eight runs, with a top score of 15, batting at number three. Brook believes in Smith's capabilities, stating, “He’s got the strength to do so — the technique to be able to face the swinging ball,” according to BBC, Channel News Asia, and Dawn.

Brook expressed optimism regarding Smith's role, indicating that both he and head coach Brendon McCullum see potential for Smith to become an “unbelievable white-ball opener.” The team is also welcoming back former captain Jos Buttler, along with all-rounders Jacob Bethell and Will Jacks, who just returned from participation in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Joe Root is expected to bat at three with Brook taking the four spot, as noted by BBC and Channel News Asia.

The pace attack will be led by Jamie Overton, Saqib Mahmood, and Brydon Carse, the latter returning from a toe injury. England's squad is missing key players due to injuries, including Jofra Archer and Mark Wood, which adds pressure to the remaining bowlers. Having recently been dethroned as ODI world champions, Brook acknowledged that England must rejuvenate its performance by engaging the crowd and trying to secure victories, as reported by BBC, Channel News Asia, and Dawn.

With England ranked eighth and the West Indies closely behind in ninth, this ODI series holds significant weight, as only the top eight teams will secure automatic qualification for the 2027 World Cup. Both teams are under pressure to improve their standings in the series that will continue in Cardiff and the Oval after the Edgbaston match. Brook emphasized the need for a fresh start, stating, “We want to engage the crowd as much as we can and try to get some wins under our belt,” according to BBC, Channel News Asia, and Dawn.