West Indies v England: Jos Buttler relishing start of 'new ODI era'

England captain Jos Buttler averages 39.68 in one-day internationals

England captain Jos Buttler says this month's white-ball tour of the West Indies is the start of a new era.

England begin a three-match one-day series on Sunday, less than a month after a dismal World Cup defence saw them exit in the group stage.

The first one-day international in Antigua starts at 13:30 GMT.

"It's certainly a bit of a new beginning - there's some brilliant, exciting talent in this team," said Buttler.

"Young guys needed to get their opportunities and perform.

"The Caribbean is a nice place to start this journey for a team and everyone is really looking forward."

Buttler leads a new-look England in the Caribbean, with the captain one of only six players in the 15-man squad who featured in the World Cup in India.

All-rounders Sam Curran and Liam Livingstone, batter Harry Brook and fast bowlers Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse, who replaced the injured Reece Topley during the tournament, are the others retained from the World Cup squad, with several senior players rested.

Leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed is in the squad, having pulled out of the Big Bash League, where he was due to feature for Sydney Sixers.

Brook has also withdrawn from joining the Melbourne Stars, while batter Zak Crawley will miss the start of the BBL, but is set to link up with the Perth Scorchers after the ODI series.

West Indies had originally named a 15-man squad, which included a surprise recall for wicketkeeper for Shane Dowrich.

However, 10 days after the call-up, Dowrich announced his international retirement with immediate effect and West Indies opted not to name a replacement.

Their squad, captained by Shai Hope, includes the uncapped duo of all-rounders Sherfane Rutherford and Matthew Forde.

Following the three-match ODI series, the two sides will play a five-match T20 series.

ODI squads

West Indies: Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Alick Athanaze, Yannic Cariah, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Brandon King, Gudakesh Motie, Kjorn Ottley, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Oshane Thomas.

England: Jos Buttler, Rehan Ahmed, Gus Atkinson, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Sam Curran, Ben Duckett, Tom Hartley, Will Jacks, Liam Livingstone, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Phil Salt, John Turner.

Buttler vying to get England back on top

England finished seventh at the 10-team Cricket World Cup in India, only narrowly qualifying for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan.

This series, the first at the start of a four-year World Cup cycle, is one that Buttler is hoping to use as an opportunity to begin the journey of once again making England the force they have been in ODI cricket in recent years.

"We've had one bad tournament, but we've been in a great place for a long time and you see the depth of the talent guys have got coming through," said Buttler.

"We need to help shape the next period of white-ball cricket. That's something I feel a nice responsibility towards and motivation for."

Test vice-captain Ollie Pope is in the travelling party and could make his ODI debut, as could uncapped fast bowler John Turner, who was forced to withdraw from September's squad against New Zealand through injury.

Ben Duckett joins fellow Test opener Crawley in the squad, which also includes spinner Tom Hartley and Durham fast bowler Matthew Potts. That quarter have fewer than 10 ODI caps each.

"Some guys have not been exposed to ODI cricket a lot, but have a lot of experience in Test cricket as well, guys that are not necessarily new to international cricket," added Buttler.

"There's a nice blend, there's a real hunger to show off. There's some great energy around the guys."

West Indies v England schedule

December

3 1st ODI, Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua (13:30 GMT)

6 2nd ODI, Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua (17:30 GMT)

9 3rd ODI, Kensington Oval, Barbados (17:30 GMT)

12 1st T20, Kensington Oval, Barbados (22:00 GMT)

14 2nd T20, National Cricket Stadium, Grenada (17:30 GMT)

16 3rd T20, National Cricket Stadium, Grenada (17:30 GMT)

19 4th T20, Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad and Tobago (22:00 GMT)

21 5th T20, Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad and Tobago (22:00 GMT)