England has defeated India 2-1 in their recent One-Day International (ODI) series, showcasing an improved performance a year before the next World Cup.
The series saw a new opening combination for England, with Ben Duckett and Jacob Bethell opening the batting. This pair had a solid start in the first ODI at Edgbaston, putting on 63 runs. However, in the second fixture at Cardiff, they were dismissed early, leaving England at 8-2.
The turning point came in the third ODI at Lord's, where Duckett and Bethell capitalized on favorable batting conditions and a fatigued Indian attack. They achieved the highest ODI opening stand at Lord's, with Duckett going on to score his fourth century in the format.
Bethell, who had not previously batted higher than number four for England in white-ball cricket, reached 91 in the Lord's match. He played in a positive style, striking at 97.85 with 11 fours and two sixes. This promotion of the 22-year-old to the opening position allows England to field an additional bowler, contributing to the team's setup in the latter matches of the series which included three seamers and spinner Adil Rashid, alongside all-rounders Sam Curran and Will Jacks.
The series victory suggests England may be building momentum as they look towards the 2027 World Cup.