Will Jacks Embraces New Allrounder Role as England Clinches ODI Series Win

Will Jacks believes he has turned a corner in his international career after playing a pivotal role in England's ODI series victory over the West Indies. Once seen as a fringe figure in England’s white-ball set-up, Jacks has emerged with a new sense of clarity and maturity in his allrounder role — one that’s already paying dividends.

The 26-year-old produced two contrasting but equally influential innings in the series, showcasing not only his power-hitting but also his game awareness. After a quickfire 39 off 24 balls in the first ODI at Edgbaston, Jacks played a more measured hand in the second ODI at Cardiff on Sunday, scoring 49 off 58 deliveries during a vital 143-run partnership with Joe Root. England chased down a steep target thanks to Root’s unbeaten 166, but it was Jacks’ support role that earned high praise.

“Imagine getting us five-down and Will Jacks comes out to bat?” white-ball captain Harry Brook had said following the first game, alluding to the unpredictability and depth Jacks adds to the lineup.

Jacks, traditionally a top-order batter, had never batted so low in List A cricket until this series. Yet the new role — combining lower-middle-order batting with occasional offspin — has brought out a versatility England have been seeking, especially after disappointing World Cup and Champions Trophy campaigns.

“It’s about clarity of mind,” Jacks said after the Cardiff win. “Very rarely in 50-over cricket am I going to have to go out there and hit my first few balls for six. You always have more time than you think.”

Brook’s vision for England's white-ball side included a stronger pool of allrounders and greater spin options. With Liam Livingstone underperforming and now out of the frame, the inclusion of Jacks and left-arm spinner Jacob Bethell has created a promising spin tandem and bolstered England’s lower order.

The idea began while both players were at the IPL earlier this year, where Jacks juggled a fluid role for Mumbai Indians. That experience of adapting on the fly, he says, helped shape his readiness for the demands of international 50-over cricket.

“I was carded at No.3, and sometimes I ended up at No.6 or 7,” Jacks said. “It’s limited-overs cricket — you have to be ready for anything.”

Sunday’s innings marked a tactical departure for Jacks, who curbed his attacking instincts to give Root maximum strike. “He played beautifully and made it very easy for me,” Jacks said. “It was about building a partnership, taking as few risks as possible.”

The 2023 World Cup exposed a lack of experience in the ODI format among England players, many of whom had grown up on a diet of T20 cricket. For Jacks, who has played just 39 List A matches — 17 for England — learning the rhythm of 50-over cricket has been key.

“I think watching and thinking about it over the last year or two, we all realise there’s so much time,” he said. “Even coming in during the 41st over [in the first ODI], there was still a lot of time left. There’s no urgency — it’s about control and taking it deep.”

Jacks' bowling also made an impact in Cardiff, breaking a dangerous West Indies partnership by dismissing centurion Keacy Carty. With both bat and ball, he is proving to be the allrounder England have long sought.

Despite 42 international appearances across formats, Jacks admits he’s never quite felt settled in the national setup. Having missed out on a central contract in 2023 and the 2025 Champions Trophy squad, he now views this opportunity as a fresh start.

“I do feel this is a new chapter,” he said. “I think my first time in the team I was just loving playing for England and probably not performing how I wanted. I was ‘over-trying’. Now I feel more comfortable in myself and in the role — that’s really helped.”

Will Jacks Embraces New Allrounder Role as England Clinches ODI Series Win

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