England prepares for India T20I series with aggressive batting lineup

England’s T20I captain Jos Buttler has emphasized the team’s confidence in its deep and aggressive batting lineup as they gear up for the first T20I against India at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. With nearly every player in the squad capable of scoring big, England aims to bring the same fearless approach that has powered their success in recent years, including triumphs in the 2019 ODI World Cup and the 2022 T20 World Cup.

England’s batting lineup, packed with power hitters like Phil Salt, Ben Duckett, Harry Brook, Liam Livingstone, and rising star Jacob Bethell, is designed for aggression. Buttler highlighted how the presence of lower-order batters with first-class centuries, including bowlers Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, and Adil Rashid, allows the top order to play freely without fear of losing their wickets.

“That gives a lot of depth to the XI and confidence to the guys at the top that there’s plenty [of batting] to come,” Buttler explained. “We can be really aggressive and not worry too much about our wicket because we’ve got guys behind us who can do exactly the same job.”

Buttler also praised Jacob Bethell, whose exceptional T20I average of 57.66 and strike rate of 167.96 make him a valuable addition to the squad. “It’s a new challenge for him to play in India, but I know he’s excited,” Buttler said, adding that Bethell’s talent has been recognized since his U-19 days.

England enters the series with their best players fully available, a rare luxury in today’s packed international calendar. Fit and firing pacers Jofra Archer and Mark Wood, along with a balanced mix of experience and youth, provide the team with flexibility and firepower.

“This is a really exciting tour, coming to India with what I’d say is a full lineup for us,” Buttler noted. “Sometimes there’s so much cricket that players have to be rested or managed, but that’s not the case for us in this series.”

For the first time, Buttler will work with Brendon McCullum in the white-ball setup, aiming to build a strong captain-coach alliance. McCullum, known for his attacking philosophy, brings a fresh dynamic to the team as they focus on the upcoming T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy.

On the eve of the series opener, England took the unusual step of announcing their playing XI in advance. The batting-friendly surface at Eden Gardens is expected to favor big scores, with 200 runs likely to be the benchmark.

Buttler acknowledged the challenge of playing a “top side in their own conditions,” but expressed confidence in the team’s preparations and adaptability. Players have spent considerable time honing their skills against spin, a critical factor in Indian conditions.

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