Jamie Smith: Jamie Smith will bat at No.3 for the first time in his ODI career and keep wicket for England in their Champions Trophy opener against Australia at the Gaddafi Stadium here on Saturday. Joe Root, England’s long-time No. 3, moved down to No.4 in the final match of their recent 3-0 ODI series loss in India and will continue in that role. Smith, who has only batted at No.5 or 6 in his seven-match ODI career, steps into a new position in his first ICC tournament appearance.
England struggled with team balance after Jacob Bethell’s injury in India, appearing one batter short in the second ODI and lacking bowling depth in the third. They have opted for a batting-heavy lineup for the Champions Trophy opener, with Liam Livingstone at No. 7. As a result, Livingstone and Root will share 10 overs between them.
Root has previously batted at No. 4 in 56 of his 163 ODI innings, though most came early in his career. With Smith at No. 3, England's middle-order - Root, Harry Brook, and Jos Buttler - will be bolstered after recent collapses in India.
