Smith set for opening role as England's new white-ball era begins

JAMIE Smith will open the batting as England’s new white-ball era under Harry Brook starts with the first of three one-day internationals against the West Indies at Edgbaston today.

- David CHARLESWORTH

Smith has been a revelation at Test level with bat and gloves but his elevation to number three at the Champions Trophy earlier this year backfired as he made just 24 runs in three innings in Pakistan.

England had a torturous campaign with three defeats in three, leading to Jos Buttler’s resignation as captain, but Smith has been backed to set the tempo at the top of the order alongside Ben Duckett.

Before the Champions Trophy, Smith had only batted once in the top-three at 50-over level - for Surrey in 2019 - but his load is lightened as Buttler slots back into the rank and file as wicketkeeper.