India vs England LIVE Scorecard, 1st T20I: Good Signs For India As Mohammed Shami Bowls In Nets Ahead Of Toss

IND vs ENG 1st T20I, Live: Archer in focus

Like Mohammed Shami, England’s fiery pacer Jofra Archer will be under the spotlight as he returns from injury to lead their pace attack ahead of the Champions Trophy. But conditions in India, with the possibility of heavy evening dew, could pose a challenge for bowlers. The squad also includes pace bowler Mark Wood following his recovery from a right elbow injury.

IND vs ENG 1st T20I, Live: All eyes on Jacob Bethell

England will miss key players Reece Topley, Sam Curran, and Will Jacks, but promising 21-year-old Jacob Bethell, who impressed in the ODI series against the West Indies last year, will look to shine. Bethell has averaged 57.66 and struck at 167.96 in his seven T20I appearances.

IND vs ENG 1st T20I, Live: New era for England

For the Jos Buttler-led England, the series marks a new chapter under head coach Brendon McCullum, who signed a three-year contract following Matthew Mott’s resignation following their T20 World Cup exit. Known for revolutionising Test cricket with his aggressive ‘Bazball’ approach, McCullum will now seek to replicate that success in the limited-overs format.

IND vs ENG 1st T20I, Live: India’s strong batting lineup

India’s batting in the T20I format is one of the deadliest. With the likes of Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Tilak Varma, it is difficult for every opposition to deal against India. The hosts will once again look to cast their magic with the bat against England. 

IND vs ENG 1st T20I, Live: Will Rinku get a chance?

Talented batter Rinku Singh needs no introduction as his bat speaks for him. Ever since his debut for India, he has played many match-winning knocks. However, the problem of plenty is haunting Rinku’s spot in the team. With the likes of Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Tilak Varma, it will be a daunting task for the team management of finalise India’s perfect Playing XI against England. 

IND vs ENG 1st T20I, Live: Axar’s new beginning

All-rounder Axar Patel will debut as India’s vice-captain in the T20I format. He has been rewarded for his stellar all-round contributions in India’s triumphant T20 World Cup campaign in the Caribbean last year. Axar played a crucial knock of 47 off 31 balls in the final against South Africa and took nine wickets at an average of 19.22 across eight matches.

IND vs ENG 1st T20I, Live: Shami in India’s Champions Trophy squad

Following his inclusion in India’s Champions Trophy squad, Shami’s return will garner national attention. With pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah nursing a back injury and his Champions Trophy participation doubtful, Shami’s comeback assumes greater significance. The 34-year-old made his competitive return in the Ranji Trophy for Bengal, guiding them to their first win of the season with a seven-wicket haul. He followed it up with impressive performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (11 wickets) and the Vijay Hazare Trophy (five wickets).

IND vs ENG 1st T20I, Live: Mohammed Shami in focus

Fit-again India pacer Mohammed Shami’s comeback would be keenly watched in the T20Is against England. Shami was sidelined after the lost ODI World Cup 2023 final against Australia on November 19, 2023 due to an ankle injury that required surgery. The recovery from that was followed by swelling on his left knee during the domestic comeback some weeks back.

IND vs ENG 1st T20I, Live: Important series for both teams

The white-ball rubber, comprising five T20Is and three ODIs after that, presents an ideal platform for both the teams to experiment with combinations and assess form before next month’s Champions Trophy. 

IND vs ENG 1st T20I, Live: Hello

Hello and welcome to our live coverage of the 1st T20I of the five-match series between India and England, straight from the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Stay tuned for all the live updates.