The five-match T20 series between India and England is set to begin on Wednesday, with the first match taking place at Eden Gardens Stadium in Kolkata. On Tuesday, England announced their playing XI for the first T20 match against India. Emerging star batter Harry Brook has been given a new responsibility as the new vice-captain for the white-ball format. The 25-year-old Brook has made a name for himself since his international debut in 2022.
Jos Buttler as a Specialist Batter
In the Kolkata T20, Ben Duckett and wicketkeeper-batter Phil Salt will open the innings for England. The third spot will be taken by England’s captain, Jos Buttler, who will not be keeping wickets. Head coach Brendon McCullum had already clarified that the experienced Buttler will play only as a specialist batter. Vice-captain Brook will bat at number four, followed by all-rounder Liam Livingstone and Jacob Bethell. Spinner Adil Rashid is also included in the playing XI.
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Mark Wood Returns
Fast bowler Mark Wood makes his return to the squad. His last T20 International match was in June 2022 during the T20 World Cup. The 35-year-old pacer had been out for several months due to injury. He hasn’t played since August 2024, following a stress fracture in his elbow during the Sri Lanka Test series. He had bowled in the first Test against Sri Lanka but sustained a thigh injury during the match. Apart from Wood, the pace attack will feature Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, and Jamie Overton.
England’s Playing XI for the First T20 Match Against India:
Ben Duckett, Phil Salt, Jos Buttler (Captain), Harry Brook (Vice-Captain), Liam Livingstone, Jacob Bethell, Jamie Overton, Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood.