Phil Salt In, Jamie Smith Out As England Announce Playing XI For 1st T20I vs South Africa

Phil Salt for South Africa (Source: AFP)

England have announced their playing XI for the first of the three-match T20I series against South Africa at the Sophia Gardens in Cardiff. The squad sees a return of Phil Salt, and as a result, the wicketkeeper batter, Jamie Smith, has missed out.

Also, Jos Buttler looks set to be back at the opening position after batting at number 3 in the shortest format during the course of the last year. Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Tom Banton and Will Jacks are the core of the middle order, while Sam Curran is also back after a fantastic performance in the Hundred.

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Sam Curran is likely to take the middle order position and would provide the balance with his bowling skills, just like he has done for various franchises across the world. Liam Dawson will be the second spinner in the side alongside Adil Rashid and has been picked over Rehan Ahmed.

Jofra Archer and Jamie Overton are the two pacers in the squad, while Sam Curran would have to perform the role of the third seamer. Thus, England have stayed true to their philosophy of going with all-rounders in the shortest format and batting deep to provide their batters the freedom to go after the bowling from the onset.

England have started a new era in white-ball cricket under Harry Brook, and they would like to get some wins under their belt after losing the ODI series to South Africa. Also, the series is a good opportunity for both the teams to fine-tune their preperations of the next T20 World Cup to be held in India.

England's Playing XI For 1st T20I vs SA

Phil Salt (WK), Jos Buttler, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook (C), Sam Curran, Tom Banton, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton. Liam Dawson, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid

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