Fast-bowling newcomer selected for England's first ODI against South Africa; Jofra Archer re-joins the squad
England has announced its squad for the first ODI against South Africa, scheduled to take place on September 2 at Headingley in Leeds. The series comes after South Africa's 2-1 win against Australia.
Jamie Smith, who scored a 28-ball 64 in the final match of the West Indies series, will open the batting for England. Smith was England's second-highest run-scorer during the 2025 Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, where he also scored a career-best 184 not out.
Sonny Baker, who impressed during the England Lions tour of Australia in January with figures of 4-43, 1-28, and 3-60, has been named for his ODI debut. Baker was also part of Manchester Originals' Men's Hundred campaign, where he picked up nine wickets at an average of 16.22 and an economy of 7.68, including a hat-trick.
Harry Brook, who clean-swept West Indies 3-0 in his previous captaincy stint in May-June this year, will captain England in the first ODI. This will mark his second ODI stint as full-time white-ball captain. Brook will be supported by Ben Duckett, Joe Root, and Jos Buttler (wk). Jacob Bethell, at 21 years old, will join them as all-rounder, and Will Jacks will complete the batting line-up.
Brydon Carse and Jofra Archer will form the three-pronged fast-bowling line-up for England, with Adil Rashid named as the specialist spinner. Archer will make a comeback to the England ODI XI for the first time since their Champions Trophy campaign in March.
Jacob Bethell, who scored a career-best 82 in the series opener against West Indies in May, is set to become England's youngest captain in a T20I series against Ireland in September.
The first ODI between England and South Africa will be an exciting clash, with both teams showing promising form. Sonny Baker will make his debut for England in this highly-anticipated match. The match promises to be a thrilling start to the series.
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