England Dominate West Indies in Record-Breaking ODI Rout at Edgbaston
What an incredible day of cricket it was at Edgbaston, as England kicked off the Harry Brook captaincy era in emphatic style. Facing West Indies in the first ODI of the three-match series, England delivered a brutal masterclass, crushing their opponents by a staggering 238 runs. It was the kind of performance that sets the tone not just for a series, but potentially a whole new chapter in England's white-ball cricket.
Let’s start with that monstrous total—400 runs for 8 wickets. Four different England batters passed fifty, but the standout star was undoubtedly Jacob Bethell. Making his first ODI appearance since February, Bethell was electric. He hammered 82 off just 53 balls, launching boundaries to every part of the ground. His timing, confidence, and ability to accelerate in the latter stages of the innings showed he has matured tremendously, especially after his stint in the IPL. He openly credited the league—and even advice from Virat Kohli—for shaping his current form. At just 21, Bethell looks like a long-term prospect for England’s middle order.
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But it wasn’t just Bethell. The innings was a collective force. Jamie Smith, opening for the first time in a 50-over game, looked calm and commanding, scoring 37 off 24 balls. Duckett (60), Brook (58), and Root (57) all chipped in, keeping the tempo relentless. Jos Buttler and Will Jacks added finishing touches, with Jacks hammering 39 from just 24. The scoreboard pressure was immense—and West Indies cracked.
In reply, West Indies faltered early. Saqib Mahmood and Brydon Carse tore through the top order with unrelenting pace and discipline. Mahmood finished with figures of 3 for 32, while Overton also claimed three wickets. Carse’s athletic one-handed catch to dismiss Shai Hope was a highlight moment—an exclamation mark on an already dominant display.
The West Indies never looked in the contest. Reduced to 79 for 5 in no time, there was no way back. A few late fireworks from Jayden Seales helped them limp to 162, but it was never going to be enough. Ironically, Seales, the number 11, top-scored with 29—not the stat you want when chasing 400.
Captain Harry Brook was understandably thrilled post-match. He praised the collective effort, the batting depth, and the execution of plans. And he’s right—everything clicked. England’s new era has started with a bang, and if this is a sign of things to come, they are going to be a serious force in ODIs moving forward.
Next up? Cardiff on Sunday for the second ODI. If England bring even half this intensity, the Windies will have a real task on their hands.
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