Five batters who can become England's ODI regulars

England are currently playing South Africa in a three-match ODI series with both teams winning one match each. The the series-decider is to be played on July 24 (Sunday). The home team managed to win the second ODI but their batting order did not perform up to everyone’s expectations.

The Three Lions also struggled to leave an impact with the bat during the white-ball series against India. It may be noted that England is without two of their senior batters Ben Stokes and Eoin Morgan as the former skipper took retirement from international cricket, while had decided to retire from ODI cricket recently to manage the workload.

Under the leadership of new white-ball captain Jos Buttler, team England has tried a few new faces in the batting order, but there are a few of them waiting in line to get their chance as well.

On that note, let us take a look at five batters who can become a regular face in England’s ODI XI:

1. James Vince

One of the most technically sound batters, James Vince can be one of the contenders to stake his claim in the English ODI squad. The right-handed batter has already represented England in white-ball format and he was also in good touch during the recently concluded T20 Blast.

The right-handed batter played a total of 16 innings and finished as the top-run getter in the tournament. Vince played many outstanding knocks for his team Hampshire as they eventually win the championship by just one run in one of the most dramatic matches ever.

As mentioned above, Vince has already represented England in ODI cricket and he will want to have another shot at the international level and prove his worth. He has played 19 ODI matches and amassed 480 runs at an average of 30. He has also stroked two fifties and one hundred.

2. Sam Billings

One of the most under-rated batters in England, Sam Billings is one of the most prominent contenders to enter into the side after the retirement of Eoin Morgan and Ben Stokes. Having made his debut in 2015, Billings was added to the English set-up following their humiliating exit from the 2015 World Cup.

Known for playing innovative shots and being handful against spinners, Billings can be very damaging for the opposition bowling line-up. But since making his debut, Billings has been in and out of the England squad. The right-handed batter played his last ODI in July 2021.

Talking about his numbers, the right-handed batter has played 25 ODIs and has scored 607 runs at an average of 33.72. He also has four fifties and one hundred to his name with his best being 118 runs.

3. Sam Hain

Sam Hain is another good pick to be added to England’s batting setup. Despite not having represented England at the highest level till now, Hain has piled up runs in the domestic formats and has shown that he can be an option to try out at the no. 3 or 4 positions.

Talking about his List-A career, Hain has played 59 matches and has scored 2810 runs at an astonishing average of 58.54. The right-handed batter has also smashed 15 half-centuries and 10 hundreds in the 50-over format with his highest score being 161 not out.

Born in Hong Kong, Hain played his initial cricket in Australia before being spotted by former Warwickshire skipper Michael Powell as he sent Hain to Warwickshire for trials and the batter made his debut soon after that. Over the years, Hain has played several memorable knocks for his club, but he will surely want to represent the Three Lions at the highest level.

4. Harry Brook

Young batter Harry Brook was added to England’s ODI squad during their clash against India, but he did not get any games in the series. Before that, the 23-year-old played all three T20Is against India and made some short but vital contributions to his team.

Brook played a knock of 28 runs off just 23 balls during the first T20I against India. The right-handed batter also displayed his range of shots after smashing two fours and one maximum. However, he failed to perform during the second and got out early.

In the third match, he played just nine balls but stroked 19 runs, hitting three boundaries. During the series, Brook showed that he is competent against both spin and pace and the decision now lies in England team management’s hands on whether to keep Brook in the midst or not.

5. Philip Salt

Another talented batter on the list, wicketkeeper-batter Philip Salt is currently representing England against South Africa. Salt was included in the playing XI in the second ODI in place of Stokes who played his last ODI game.

Batting with pressure to go for the big shots due to a shortened game, Salt played well for his 17 runs in just ten balls, stroking three boundaries before getting out while trying to clear the field. Salt might be seen again in action during the third ODI and he will want to make a big score to fix his place in the playing XI.

In his short ODI career, Salt has stroked 369 runs at an excellent average of 52.71 in seven matches. The right-handed batter plays at a strike rate of 133.69 and has also scored two fifties and one century.