Lions roar for Smith as opener

JAMIE SMITH'S raw talent is being backed over a lack of experience opening the batting as England try to arrest their alarming one-day form under new captain Harry Brook.

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Smith's elevation to No.3 during England's torturous Champions Trophy this year backfired as he made just 24 runs in three innings in Pakistan, while he has never opened in the 50-over format before.

He has flourished at Test level with bat and gloves, enough to convince Brook and head coach Brendon McCullum to pair Smith, 24, with Ben Duckett at the top of the order in a three-match series against the West Indies, starting on Thursday at Edgbaston.