Jonny Bairstow will open for England in the first One-Day International against West Indies, captain Eoin Morgan announced on Monday.
Tuesday’s match at Manchester’s Old Trafford is England’s first ODI since its Champions Trophy semifinal defeat by eventual tournament winner Pakistan in Cardiff in June.
That match saw regular ODI opener Jason Roy dropped after a run of low scores, with Bairstow making 43 after being brought in at the top of the order.
Surrey batsman Roy was out for a golden duck in Saturday’s lone Twenty20 international against West Indies at Chester-le-Street and Morgan confirmed Test wicket-keeper Bairstow would open on Tuesday.
“Jonny is going to open with Alex Hales,” said Morgan. “We feel Jonny deserves a chance. He’s been waiting in the wings for quite a while now. This is an opportunity to make the opening position his.”
Plunkett excited
Fast bowler Liam Plunkett said he was excited at the prospect of facing West Indies’ big-hitter Chris Gayle.
“I don’t think anyone knows (how to bowl to Gayle) do they?” said Plunkett. “He’s such a good player he just hits the ball out of the park wherever he wants.
“It’s good they have their experienced players back, a lot of stars, and that’s what you want to play against,” said 32-year-old Plunkett.
“You want to beat the best they can bring over.”
ODI schedule: Sept. 19, Sept. 21, Sept. 24, Sept. 27 and Sept. 29.