Edgbaston, Birmingham – May 29, 2025 — England’s new white-ball captain, Harry Brook, launched his leadership tenure with a commanding 238-run victory over the West Indies in the first One Day International (ODI) at Edgbaston. This emphatic win not only ended England’s seven-match losing streak in ODIs but also marked their second-largest victory margin by runs in the format.
Opting to bat first after losing the toss, England amassed a formidable total of 400 for 8 their highest home ODI score against the West Indies. Remarkably, this was achieved without a single century, as all top seven batters contributed over 35 runs each. Jacob Bethell led the charge with a blistering 82 off 53 balls, earning him the Player of the Match award. Captain Harry Brook added a swift 58 from 45 deliveries, while Ben Duckett and Joe Root chipped in with 60 and 57 runs, respectively.
In response, the West Indies faltered, bowled out for a mere 162 in 26.2 overs. England’s bowlers delivered a clinical performance, with Saqib Mahmood and Jamie Overton each claiming three wickets. Adil Rashid contributed with two wickets, while Brydon Carse and Bethell took one apiece. Brook also made history by taking five catches, equaling the ODI record for most catches by a non-wicketkeeper.
Reflecting on the team’s performance, Brook stated, “It’s a new era. We’re trying to forget about the past and focus on what’s ahead. To get 400 after being put in and bowl them out for 162 was a pretty exceptional start from the boys.”
The victory signals a promising start to Brook’s captaincy and a potential resurgence for England’s white-ball cricket. The second ODI of the three-match series is scheduled for June 1 in Cardiff.
