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England have announced their Playing XI for the upcoming first T20I of the three-match series against New Zealand. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) released the playing combination a couple of days prior to the commencement of the match, which is all set to be played at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch on
Jordan Cox retained his spot at No. 7 after smashing a 35-ball 55 in the recently-concluded third T20I against Ireland. Cox, who has played only three T20Is and as many ODIs up until now, will be aiming at some crucial international game time.
Cox comes in for Will Jacks, whose workload is likely to be managed ahead of his assignment at the Ashes 2025-26. Notably, Cox was the Player of the Tournament for the Men’s Hundred 2025. On the other hand, Harry Brook, who skipped the recently-concluded series against Ireland, returns to the line-up as the leader of the pack.
The three-pronged pace attack includes the floater of the batting unit Sam Curran, Bryodon Carse and Luke Wood. Curran will be a floater in the lineup. Liam Dawson and Adil Rashid will be the couple of frontline spin-bowling options. Tom Banton has also been placed in the middle-order.
England’s playing XI for first T20I against New Zealand: Phil Salt, Jos Buttler (wk), Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook (c), Tom Banton, Sam Curran, Jordan Cox, Liam Dawson, Brydon Carse, Adil Rashid, Luke Wood
The first two matches will be played in Christchurch on October 18 (Saturday) and October 20 (Monday). The third and final encounter will then be played on October 23 (Thursday) in Auckland. All matches are scheduled to commence at 11:45 am (Indian Standard Time).
The 20-over series will be followed by the ODI leg. There will be three matches played there too. Mount Maunganui, Hamilton and Wellington will be the three separate venues where the matches will be played. The Three Lions’ next major assignment will be against Australia Down Under. There will be five matches which will be played.
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