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England have promoted Jacob Bethell to open the batting alongside Ben Duckett for the first ODI against India at Edgbaston on Tuesday, while experienced wicketkeeper-batter Jos Buttler is set to celebrate a major career milestone with his 200th appearance in the format.The move sees Bethell entrusted with a key role at the top of the order as England continue their search for a settled opening combination. The left-hander, who has featured in 21 ODIs, will become Duckett’s fifth opening partner in recent times after Phil Salt, Jamie Smith, Zak Crawley and Rehan Ahmed.Harry Brook’s side have also opted for a spin-heavy attack to counter India’s formidable batting unit of Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and KL Rahul. Will Jacks, Liam Dawson and veteran leg-spinner Adil Rashid have all been included in the playing XI.England have also recalled Jofra Archer to their ODI side for the first time since November last year. Archer returns after impressing during England’s 4-0 T20I series victory and will lead the pace attack alongside Josh Tongue, with Gus Atkinson missing out on selection.The match will be a landmark occasion for Buttler, who is set to become only the latest England player to reach 200 ODIs. Since making his debut against Pakistan in Dubai on February 21, 2012, the wicketkeeper-batter has scored 5,515 runs at an average of 39.11, including 11 centuries and 29 half-centuries.The three-match ODI series will continue in Cardiff on July 16 before concluding at Lord’s on July 19.England XI: Jacob Bethell, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Harry Brook (captain), Jos Buttler (wicketkeeper), Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Jofra Archer, Liam Dawson, Josh Tongue and Adil Rashid.
