Picture Credit: X

Picture Credit: X

England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Tuesday, January 21 named their playing XI for the opening T20I against India, scheduled to be played on Wednesday, January 22 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The announcement came on the eve of the series opener with Jos Buttler returning to helm.

As confirmed earlier by England’s new white-ball coach Brendon McCullum in the pre-match press conference that Buttler will not be keeping wickets, the England veteran also reiterated on the same adding that Phil Salt will be donning the wicketkeeping gloves. It is to be noted that Buttler relinquished wicketkeeping gloves in the last series against West Indies in November 2024.

Gus Atkinson returns for the first time since December 2023

In a notably move, fast bowler Gus Atkinson has returned to the Three Lions after more than a year since his last apperance coming during the tour of West Indies in December 2023. The 27-year-old will be joined by the likes of Jofra Archer, Jamie Overton and Mark Wood in the pace attack, whereas Adil Rashid is the only specialist spin bowling option, alongside all-rounder Liam Livingstone and Jacob Bethell.

Speaking of the head-to-head record, India hold a slighter upper hand with 13 wins from 24 games, whereas England have come out victorious in 11 matches so far. Although, the result will come out soon as England takes on India in the five-match series, starting from tomorrow.

England’s Playing XI for first T20I against India

Ben Duckett, Phil Salt (wk), Jos Buttler (C), Harry Brook (vc), Liam Livingstone, Jacob Bethell, Jamie Overton, Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood.