Jos Buttler set to play as batter; England names power packed playing XI for 1st T20I against England

England have named a full-strength team to take on India in the first of five T20I matches. The game is set to take place at the Eden Gardens stadium in Kolkata. Jos Buttler is set to lead the side but will not be the lead wicketkeeper of the side. Former KKR side Phil Salt has been handed the gloves for the opening game of the series. 

Ben Duckett will open the batting with Salt after his recent batting form in the Big Bash League. Harry Brook and Liam Livingstone will be part of the middle order. It is to be noted that Brook scored his only IPL century during the 2023 season at the Eden Gardens stadium. 

Brendon McCullum is in his first assignment as the white-ball coach of the team. Marcus Trescothick took over as the interim white-ball coach of the side late last year. The former Kiwi skipper has revolutionized the way England have played Test cricket. Fans will be eager to see if Jos Buttler and his side will employ the same Baz-Ball technique in the ODI and T20I formats as well. 

Jos Buttler speaks out on importance of family during long tours

Recently BCCI came up with strict rules regarding the presence of long tours. While addressing the media on Tuesday, Buttler said “I think it’s important. We live in a day and age now, which is a very modern world, and I think it’s great to be able to have families on the tour with you and try and enjoy that”

England skipper also said, “There’s a lot of cricket, people spend a long time away from home, and I think post-COVID all that’s been highlighted as well. I don’t think it affects cricket too much”. 

Jos Buttler also said, “I think it’s something very manageable. Personally, from my point of view. I think it’s really important to try and be able to share that with your family and lighten the load when away from home”. England will also play three ODI matches before heading to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025 tournament.   

England XI vs India 

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