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The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Tuesday, September 10 named their playing XI for first T20I of the three-match series, set to get underway from September 11 at The Rose Bowl in Southampton. While Phil Salt will be leading the Three Lions in the T20I series in the absence of Jos Buttler, three players are set to debut for them on Wednesday.
Jacob Bethell, who is a batting all-rounder will aim to make a mark on the back of his prolific performances in T20s. The 20-year-old has amassed 736 runs in 45 T20s at a strike rate of 137.57, including four fifties. Meanwhile Jordan Cox makes his debut in the English colours after having played 123 T20s. Cox has scored 2598 runs at the strike rate of 138.85, including 12 half-centuries. The wicketkeeper-batter has also played 53 First-Class matches, where he has scored 3194 runs including eight centuries and 12 fifties.
Jamie Overton is the final name, who will be making his maiden appearance for The Three Lions. Overton has so far played 143 T20s, claiming 96 wickets at an economy of 9.04. Overton played however made his international debut in a Test match against New Zealand in June 2022, he will be making his T20I debut against the top side, Australia.
England’s Playing XI against Australia for 1st T20I
Phil Salt (C), Will Jacks, Jordan Cox, Liam Livingstone, Jacob Bethell, Sam Curran, Jamie Overton, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Saqib Mahmood, Reece Topley
Brendon McCullum to kickstart new era as all-format Head Coach
Moreover, with England kickstarting their white-ball campaign after their T20 World Cup 2024 exit, the English side will be boosted by the inclusion of Brendon McCullum. Former New Zealand cricketer, who was initially roped in as England’s red-ball coach, was recently appointed as the all-format coach. The upcoming white-ball series against Australia will serve as his first assignment.
