England playing XI announced for 1st T20I [Source: @TheBarmyArmy/X.Com]
The two powerhouses in world cricket, India and England will collide in a 5-match T20I series, set to commence from January 22, Wednesday. Both the sides have had epic rivalries in the past and this could be no different as both India and England have an explosive batting lineups which promises to provide a run-feast at the Eden Gardens Stadium in Kolkata.
The Suryakumar Yadav led Indian side shouldn't underestimate the visiting England team as the Three Lions boasts a strong squad capable of defeating anyone. England, a day before the contest have announced their playing XI, with the RCB golden boy set to get a taste of Indian conditions.
The deadly duo of Salt and Duckett to open
The deadly duo of Phil Salt and Ben Duckett will open the batting and expect chaps when the duo will take on the Indian attack. The left-right combination will cause plenty of problems for the Indian bowlers and the duo will certainly not allow the bowlers to settle down quickly.
RCB's middle-order duo to be unleashed
With the top-order sorted, England will unleash RCB's two more signings - Jacob Bethell and Liam Livingstone in the middle order. Plus, newly appointed Harry Brook will complete the formidable middle-order trio as the flat surface of the Eden Gardens could provide run-feast for the fans.
Captain Jos Buttler, who was nursing an injury for quite a while is likely to bat at number 3 in order to accomodate Salt and Duckett. The return of Jofra Archer gives a much needed boost to the England side, and add Adil Rashid, Gus Atkinson in the mix and England have a variety in their bowling attack for the first T20I.
Brook appointed new vice-captain
On Monday, England announced that their star player, Harry Brook has been appointed as the new vice-captain in ODIs and T20Is. The decision comes after Brook had a stellar white-ball campaigns for England and was their star performer across formats.
England playing XI vs India
Phil Salt (WK), Ben Duckett, Jos Buttler (C), Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Liam Livingstone, Jamie Overton, Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood