England completed a commanding 3-0 one-day international (ODI) series whitewash over West Indies with a dominant seven-wicket win in the third match at The Oval on Wednesday, showcasing renewed aggression and clarity in their white-ball approach under new leadership.
Chasing a revised target of 246 from 40 overs after a rain delay split the West Indies innings into two, England made a blistering start, reaching 100 runs within just eight overs—equalling the fourth-fastest team century in men’s ODI history.
The star of the chase was 23-year-old Jamie Smith, who smashed 64 off just 28 deliveries in his maiden ODI half-century. Smith, who only recently earned his debut, dazzled with a fearless display of hitting, racing to his fifty in just 22 balls. His explosive knock included six fours and five sixes, setting the tone for England’s emphatic reply.
Ben Duckett provided stability with a fluent 58, while Joe Root, anchoring the middle overs, added an assured 44 as England cruised home with 10.2 overs to spare.
The victory marks England’s first ODI series triumph since before their disappointing 2023 World Cup campaign, which had prompted widespread criticism and a strategic overhaul of their white-ball setup. The win at The Oval capped a return to form, with England appearing revitalised under new ODI captain Harry Brook, who is yet to taste defeat as skipper.
Earlier in the day, West Indies were left to rue a missed opportunity after recovering from 154-7 to post a competitive 251-9 in their allotted 40 overs.
Their innings was salvaged by lower-order resistance, most notably from spinner Gudakesh Motie, who scored a career-best 63 off 45 balls. His counterattacking innings included five boundaries and three sixes and was crucial in dragging the visitors to a respectable total.
Sherfane Rutherford had earlier top-scored with a composed 70 off 75 balls, but regular wickets and a rain delay stalled West Indies’ momentum. After the break, England’s bowlers regained control, led by leg-spinner Adil Rashid, who returned figures of 3-40 to keep the visitors in check.
Despite the series win, England’s bowling showed moments of inconsistency, with too many wayward deliveries allowing West Indies to recover from early setbacks. Still, the combination of Rashid’s control and the pace battery’s aggression ensured the hosts remained on top.
Captain Brook praised his side’s intent and execution post-match. “It’s been a fantastic series,” he said. “We played with freedom and purpose. Jamie [Smith] was outstanding today, and it’s great to see the younger players stepping up.”
England now turn their attention to the T20 leg of the tour, with the first match of the three-game series set to be played at Chester-le-Street on Friday.
With momentum firmly in their favour, Brook and his men will be aiming to extend their unbeaten run and continue laying the foundation for a new era in English white-ball cricket.