Durham: England have announced their playing XI for the first T20I series of the five-match T20I series against defending T20 World Cup champions India, which will be played at the Riverside Stadium in Chester-le-Street on Wednesday.
The hosts have made two changes to the squad that lost to India in the semi-finals of the 2026 T20 World Cup. Fast bowler Saqib Mahmood replaces Jamie Overton and Luke Wood replaces Jofra Archer.
Both Archer and teammate Josh Dungu have been rested following England’s recent Test series against New Zealand.
Harry Brook will captain England in what is expected to be one of his toughest tasks.
After leading the team to the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup, the 26-year-old has also emerged as a front-runner to become England’s next Test captain.
Ahead of the series opener, Brook reaffirmed his commitment to international cricket, insisting that representing England remains his only priority.
“I am fully committed to England cricket. I have said that I don’t want to play any franchise cricket other than The Hundred,” Brook said.
“All I do is play cricket for England. Whatever I do on and off the field is to do my best for England. That’s why I don’t play IPL, PSL or any other franchise.”
The top-order batsman believes that skipping franchise matches gives him a chance to maintain his fitness and prepare for the demands of playing in all three formats.
“The fact that I don’t play franchise cricket means there are times in my calendar when I don’t play. I focus on my fitness and prepare to play in all three formats, which has been my dream since my childhood.”
Brook dismissed speculation surrounding a future England Test captaincy, insisting that simply representing his country remains his biggest ambition.
“Whether or not I captain England in Test cricket, I will still be happy to play for England.”
Historically, the two teams have met 30 times in T20 Internationals, with India holding the advantage with 18 wins, while England have won 12 matches.
England XI for the first T20 against India: Phil Salt, Jos Buttler, Harry Brook (catch), Jacob Bethel, Tom Panton, Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Liam Dawson, Saqib Mahmood, Adil Rashid and Luke Wood.