England launched Harry Brook’s captaincy in style with a commanding 238-run win over the West Indies in the first ODI at Edgbaston, powered by a mammoth total of 400. Brook, Ben Duckett, and Joe Root all notched up half-centuries, but it was Jacob Bethell who stole the show, hammering 82 off just 53 deliveries.
England’s 400-8 after being put in to bat marked their sixth time passing the 400-run mark in one-day cricket, their highest total since 2021 and the best against a Test-playing nation since their 2019 World Cup triumph.
The West Indies offered little resistance with the ball, their performance softened only by three outstanding catches that prevented an even bigger total.
Their reply never got going. Saqib Mahmood tore through the top order with figures of 3-32, and the chase fizzled out quickly. The standout moment in the field came when Brydon Carse pulled off a brilliant catch at deep square leg to dismiss West Indies skipper Shai Hope. The visitors were bowled out for just 162 in 26.2 overs.