From 2016 to 2024, England was arguably the best T20I team. Despite that, the Three Lions won just one T20 World Cup during the period. Carlos Brathwaite downed them singlehandedly in 2016, injuries hurt them in 2021, they finally got the trophy in 2022, and India knocked them out in the semifinals in 2024.
The golden period’s over. The captain, coach, and players have changed. Unlike ODI cricket, England’s results in T20Is haven’t been underwhelming. In fact, they have lost just one series since that India defeat in Providence on June 27, 2024.
Under Harry Brook and Brendon McCullum, England are trying to build a champion team. They had the experience of Jos Buttler, Adil Rashid, and Jofra Archer, coupled with the youth of Jacob Bethell and Rehan Ahmed. In between, they have several proven commodities, some on the international circuit, while others are on the franchise circuit.
No place for Ben Duckett
England are currently in Sri Lanka and will play a 3-match T20I series. We’ll get to a bit more about their playing combination then. Although Ben Duckett’s a good player of spin, he doesn’t have a proven T20 record in India. Also, pitches in India aren’t that spin-friendly anymore.
Heavy reliance on all-rounders
Phil Salt, Jos Buttler, Will Jacks, and Jacob Bethell have performed well in the Indian Premier League (IPL). It’ll be tough to displace either of them. Furthermore, Bethell and Jacks are all-rounders, both of whom bowl spin. Duckett will have to sit out.
England doesn’t have many backup batters. Harry Brook and Tom Banton have been playing in the middle order for some time, and that’ll continue. Sam Curran and Jamie Overton will both play, as England likes to have batting depth. They are nifty middle-overs operators, and Curran can bowl in the death as well.
Rehan Ahmed vs Liam Dawson
Adil Rashid and Jofra Archer are lock-ins. That’s why it’ll be one of Rehan Ahmed, Liam Dawson, Luke Wood, and Josh Tongue who’ll fight for the last spot. England already has 3 frontline pacers; that’s why they might go for either Rehan or Dawson. Both take the ball away, but Rehan has the ability to bring it in as well. He’s a better batter, while Dawson’s a proficient hitter. It’ll be a coin toss between them.
Predicted England laying XI for T20 World Cup 2026
Phil Salt, Jos Buttler (wk), Will Jacks, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook (c), Tom Banton, Sam Curran, Rehan Ahmed, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Jofra Archer
Bench: Ben Duckett, Liam Dawson, Josh Tongue, Luke Wood
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