England batters close in on Root in rankings post Zimbabwe Test

Jamie Smith will open the batting for England in Thursday's ODI against West Indies at Edgbaston, captain Harry Brook confirmed on Wednesday ahead of the three-match series.

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“He's got the strength to do so--the technique to be able to face the swinging ball,” said Brook, who takes charge of his first match since replacing Jos Buttler as captain.

Smith, who will open alongside Ben Duckett, batted at three during England's disappointing Champions Trophy campaign, averaging a meagre eight with a top score of 15.

He comes in at seven for the Test team.

“Baz (head coach Brendon McCullum) and I have this desire that he could be an unbelievable white-ball opener,” Brook said.

“I am not saying he has cemented his spot but he is going to get a good crack. He is such an immense player and can play the moving ball, as we have seen in Test cricket. There is no reason he can't bang it as an opener.”