Shami's Comeback In Focus As India Aim Fresh Start Against England
T20 Showdown: India vs England Match Preview
Shami's Return and Axar's Ascendance
Fit-again Mohammed Shami's comeback will be keenly observed as India gears up for the series against England. The star pacer, despite missing crucial matches, emerged as India's leading wicket-taker in the World Cup with a stunning tally of 24 scalps. He aims to prove his fitness and add to his 23 T20I appearances.
All-rounder Axar Patel will don the vice-captain's hat for India, a testament to his exceptional performances in their victorious T20 World Cup campaign last year.
Sanju Samson's Conundrum
The enigmatic Sanju Samson faces another fork in his career after missing out on the Champions Trophy squad. However, his pedigree as the first Indian to score consecutive T20I centuries is undeniable. His performances in this series will be crucial as he seeks to secure his place.
England's Reinvention
The series marks a new era for England under Brendon McCullum, known for his transformative 'Bazball' approach in Test cricket. McCullum will aim to inject the same aggression into the limited-overs format, building on his experience with the Kolkata Knight Riders.
Key Replacements and Uncertainties
England will be without key players like Topley, Curran, and Jacks, but promising youngster Jacob Bethell will look to seize his opportunity. Similarly, Jofra Archer will be in the spotlight as he returns from injury to lead England's pace attack.
Conditions in India may prove challenging for bowlers, with heavy evening dew expected. The squad also includes pace bowler Mark Wood, who has recovered from a right elbow injury.
Squad Details
India:- Suryakumar Yadav (c)
- Axar Patel (vc)
- Abhishek Sharma
- Sanju Samson (wk)
- Tilak Varma
- Hardik Pandya
- Rinku Singh
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Harshit Rana
- Arshdeep Singh
- Mohammad Shami
- Varun Chakaravarthy
- Ravi Bishnoi
- Washington Sundar
- Dhruv Jurel (wk)
- Jos Buttler (c)
- Harry Brook (vc)
- Phil Salt (wk)
- Jacob Bethell
- Liam Livingstone
- Rehan Ahmed
- Jofra Archer
- Gus Atkinson
- Brydon Carse
- Ben Duckett
- Jamie Overton
- Jamie Smith
- Adil Rashid
- Saqib Mahmood
- Mark Wood