Harry Brook’s captaincy debut sees England thump West Indies by 238 runs to go 1–0 up in odi series.
England’s new era under Harry Brook began with a statement of brutal intent as they obliterated the West Indies by 238 runs in the first ODI at Edgbaston. A belligerent total of 400-8 set the tone, and the visitors crumbled in response, dismissed for just 162 in 26.2 overs.
On a sunlit afternoon in Birmingham, it was Jacob Bethell who lit up the show. The 20-year-old all-rounder, fresh from the England Lions setup, smashed 82 from 53 balls in a dazzling display of fearless batting, filled with creativity and clean striking. Supported by half-centuries from Ben Duckett (60), Harry Brook (58), Joe Root (57) and Jamie Smith (41), England’s top order shared the load in a high-octane innings that rarely dropped in tempo.
Brook, captaining England for the first time, praised the team’s power-hitting and intent. “That was a pretty phenomenal performance,” he said post-match. “Four of us got past 50. If one of us had converted, it would’ve been the perfect game—but I’m not complaining with 400 on the board.”
West Indies started with promise in the field, snaring some spectacular catches that briefly slowed England’s middle-order surge. But by the end of the innings, their inexperienced bowling attack had been picked apart, especially during a ferocious powerplay and death-overs assault. Brook himself plundered boundaries at will before Bethell’s fireworks took England to a commanding total.
In reply, the West Indies faltered almost instantly. Saqib Mahmood bowled with pace and accuracy, removing opener Greaves early and finishing with 3-32. Jamie Overton, generating serious heat, struck thrice to end with 3-22, while Brydon Carse provided the highlight of the day with a leaping one-handed catch to dismiss Shai Hope.
The visitors never looked likely to chase down the mammoth target. Bizarrely, it was their number eleven, Gudakesh Motie, who top-scored with 28—further underlining a collapse that began in the first powerplay and never recovered.
West Indies captain Shai Hope admitted his side were outplayed: “We didn’t make the early inroads we needed. You’re always chasing the game when that happens. We pulled things back at times, but let it slip badly at the end. It’s a young bowling group, but 400 is always a mountain to climb.”
The gulf in class was stark. England’s bowlers attacked with venom, the fielding was sharp, and their batting plan was executed with chilling precision. Brook’s aggressive captaincy style, combined with England’s depth of talent, promises an exciting new direction.
The second ODI takes place in Cardiff on Sunday, where the West Indies must regroup quickly if they are to avoid another hammering. For England, confidence is soaring—and their young stars look more than ready to dominate.
