England announce playing XI for first T20I against Australia

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced the playing XI for the first T20I against Australia, scheduled to take place at the Utilita Bowl in Southampton on Wednesday.

Three uncapped players—Jordan Cox, Jacob Bethell, and Jamie Overton—will make their debut for England.

Phil Salt will captain the side in the absence of the injured Jos Buttler, leading the batting charge at the top order. Salt has been in explosive form, with 885 runs in 31 T20Is at a strike rate of 165.11. Cox will take over wicketkeeping duties.

All-rounders Sam Curran and Overton will provide batting depth, with pace spearheads Jofra Archer, Saqib Mahmood, and Reece Topley handling the bowling. Spinner Adil Rashid is the frontline spin option, supported by Bethell.

After the first match, the series will move to Cardiff for the second match on September 13, with the final game on September 15 in Manchester.

England playing XI for first T20I against Australia: Phil Salt, Will Jacks, Jordan Cox, Liam Livingstone, Jacob Bethell, Sam Curran, Jamie Overton, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Saqib Mahmood, Reece Topley.