England Announces Playing XI for 1st T20I Against South Africa

CARDIFF: England has officially revealed its starting eleven for the first T20I of the three-match series against South Africa. The match is slated to commence on Wednesday at Sophia Gardens.

All-rounder Sam Curran is set to rejoin the T20 squad, marking his first appearance since November 2024, when he last played against the West Indies. This match will also be his debut under the guidance of head coach Brendon McCullum.

Curran, aged 27, received a late call-up to the team following a strong performance in The Hundred for Oval Invincibles, the reigning champions, where he amassed 238 runs and secured 12 wickets.

Notably, England has been missing a seam-bowling all-rounder, a gap that was felt during the ODI series against South Africa, which the Proteas clinched with a 2-1 victory.

Previously, spinners Jacob Bethell and Will Jacks have covered the role of the fifth bowler; both have retained their spots in the T20I XI.

Bethell is expected to bat at No. 3, with Curran positioned at No. 5, although England demonstrated flexibility in their batting lineup during the ODI matches.

The pace attack will be spearheaded by Jamie Overton and Jofra Archer, while Adil Rashid (leg-spin) and Liam Dawson (left-arm spin) will manage the spin bowling responsibilities.

Opener Phil Salt is also making a comeback, having missed the West Indies series earlier this summer due to paternity leave.

England XI for 1st T20I: Phil Salt, Jos Buttler (wk), Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook (capt), Sam Curran, Tom Banton, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid.