After dominating in the T20I series and winning it 4-0, England were provided with a reality check when they were beaten by India in the first One Day International (ODI) at Edgbaston in Birmingham by six wickets. 

Harry Brook’s side have a lot to ponder on should they want to make a comeback into the series and take the trophy home. The 2019 champions are also languishing in eighth spot in the ICC ODI Rankings. Any further defeats in the 50-over format could seriously hamper their chances to secure automatic qualification for the 2027 World Cup in Southern Africa.

Despite the shortcomings, England still have an extremely strong squad. A few changes in their side could serve them well for the second ODI in Cardiff and bring them level in the series.

Brydon Carse makes an international comeback

England received a major boost in their bowling department following the return of Brydon Carse to the squad. The all-rounder is in line to represent his nation for the first time since the winter’s Ashes. The Durham star should be included in the playing XI, giving the Three Lions a capable bowler in the middle overs, a phase where they struggled during the Birmingham game. Carse would be included in the side in place of Liam Dawson, giving Brook’s team an additional seam-bowling option. This decision would be harsh on Dawson, who scored 68 in the first game.

Replace Josh Tongue with Gus Atkinson 

To add further depth to the batting lineup, England could replace Josh Tongue with Gus Atkinson. Tongue has been bowling nonstop since the second T20I and could therefore do with a break. Gus Atkinson, meanwhile, is fresh and could be a handy addition to the batting, particularly if they replace Dawson with Carse. The Surrey all-rounder is decent with the bat and has a Test century to his name. The 28-year-old, however, has not played an ODI for more than a year, last playing the format in February 2025, before the Champions Trophy.

Tom Banton to open in place of Jacob Bethell

Jacob Bethell is England’s newest opener in ODIs. In the first game at the top of the order, the left-hander took his time to get used to his new role and managed to score 14 off 31 balls with just one boundary to his name. It would be extremely harsh to drop the Three Lions’ next big name after just one match. However, an experienced campaigner in Tom Banton is waiting in the wings. The right-handed batter can open an innings in white-ball cricket, something he has been doing for Somerset in the 2026 T20 Blast. Whilst averaging close to 30, Banton has been striking at more than 160 in the domestic T20 tournament and could offer a left-hand right-hand combination up the order alongside Ben Duckett.

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