AI predicts England's best XI for the five-match T20 series opener against India
The stage is set for a thrilling cricket battle as Suryakumar Yadav's India locks horns with Jos Buttler's England in the first game of a five-match T20I series. The action unfolds on Wednesday at Eden Gardens. England's T20 squad, led by the dynamic Buttler, combines ferocious batting and disciplined bowling, making them a force to reckon with. Featuring power hitters like Harry Brook and Liam Livingstone alongside bowlers like Jofra Archer and Adil Rashid, their lineup is a blend of experience and youth. In this article, we will discuss the names predicted by AI for England's playing XI.
England Playing XI: Jos Buttler (c), Phil Salt, Harry Brook, Liam Livingstone, Jacob Bethell, Rehan Ahmed, Adil Rashid, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Mark Wood, Saqib Mahmood.
England's hopes rest heavily on Jos Buttler, a seasoned wicketkeeper-batsman and T20 World Cup-winning captain. Known for his adaptability, Buttler's record speaks volumes—129 T20Is, 3389 runs, 25 fifties, and a century. His ability to dominate in the powerplay and shift gears during crunch moments makes him the linchpin of England's batting. With two IPL centuries in 2024, Buttler enters this series in prime form.
Phil Salt for KKR in IPL 2024 :
— Rokte Amar KKR (@Rokte_Amarr_KKR) May 14, 2024
- 12 Matches
- 435 Runs
- 39.54 Avg
- 182 S/R
- 4 Fifties
- 89* Highest
Thank u Salty 💜 pic.twitter.com/K28KqgBH90
Phil Salt adds firepower to England's top order with his aggressive approach. Known for providing brisk starts, Salt's T20 stats—1106 runs in 38 matches at a 165.32 strike rate—underline his prowess. His recent IPL performance, including four half-centuries, reflects his consistent impact.
Harry Brook mass at Eden Gardens 🔥
— All About Cricket (@allaboutcric_) April 14, 2023
Failed in the first 3 matches hits his first ever IPL century today and this is also the first hundred of IPL 2023.pic.twitter.com/jiP2qDgfzY
Returning after a hiatus, Harry Brook adds stability to the middle order. Brook's ability to play anchor and aggressor roles gives England flexibility. With 707 T20I runs at a strike rate of 146.07, Brook's presence ensures England can recover even in challenging situations.
Well played Jacob Bethell 🙌 pic.twitter.com/lF8YC7qwmO
— RCBIANS OFFICIAL (@RcbianOfficial) January 14, 2025
Jacob Bethell, the young left-hander, has already shown glimpses of brilliance in limited opportunities. Averaging 57.66 in T20Is with two fifties, his fearless batting style has earned him attention. The 21-year-old's performances in ODIs and Tests further cement his reputation as a rising star.
Sir Liam Livingstone plays today!
— RCB Zone (@TheRcbZone) January 16, 2025
Let’s relive his massive sixes from the 2024 season. pic.twitter.com/xMbsujumaW
Liam Livingstone offers England a versatile option with his ability to score quick runs and deliver crucial overs. Livingstone is a handy leg-break bowler who has taken 32 wickets in T20Is while maintaining a 151.1 strike rate with the bat. His all-around contributions make him a vital component of England's plans.
𝗙𝗢𝗫𝗘𝗗 by the wily Adil Rashid 🦊#ILT20onZee #T20HeroesKaJalwa #DPWorldILT20 #ADKRvSW pic.twitter.com/eL5fPlJ2Nm
— Zee Cricket (@ilt20onzee) January 15, 2025
Adil Rashid continues to be England's go-to spinner, with 126 wickets in 119 T20Is. His ability to deliver under pressure and pick wickets in the middle overs makes him invaluable. Alongside him, Rehan Ahmed, a promising leg-spinner, could thrive on spinner-friendly Indian pitches.
#OnThisDay seven years ago... Jofra Archer stunner 🤯pic.twitter.com/NmFcA8J65P
— The Cricketer (@TheCricketerMag) January 10, 2025
Jofra Archer, the pace spearhead, is a menace for batters with his sheer speed and control. With 35 wickets in 29 T20Is, Archer is a game-changer, especially on flat tracks where pace can surprise. Saqib Mahmood, known for his reverse swing and yorkers, adds variety to England's pace attack, making it even more lethal.
Saqib Mahmood: England Z+ club level bowler and nightmare for 🔔 babar azam
— Johns (@JohnyBravo183) April 26, 2023
Runs: 25
Balls: 38
Outs: 3
Average: 11
Strike Rate: 65.8
Let's laugh at babar and his chakke babarsons as they give us enough meme content for 365 days 😂🤣😆pic.twitter.com/0YbXvuHzm7 https://t.co/Uci8yP9HhE
Gus Atkinson's raw pace and sharp skills have impressed in limited appearances. His ability to adapt and perform in high-pressure scenarios makes him a potential breakout star.
52 wickets in his first year of Test cricket - despite only playing since the summer 🤯
— England's Barmy Army 🏴🎺 (@TheBarmyArmy) January 19, 2025
Oh, plus a hat-trick and a century at Lord’s.
Happy Birthday, Gus Atkinson! 🏴 pic.twitter.com/bCw4LytzYB
Mark Wood, one of the fastest bowlers globally, brings unmatched speed to England's lineup. His T20 World Cup records, including the fastest over and six of the top 10 fastest deliveries, demonstrate his ability to rattle batters. With 50 wickets in 34 matches, Wood remains a crucial weapon in England's arsenal.
Mark Wood brings up his 50th T20I wicket 🏴 <👏#ENGvsOMN #T20Worldcup2024 #BoycottNetflix #bhabhi #DishaPatani #florida #Qudrat #TerrorAttack pic.twitter.com/EJYa9xbSue
— Cricket Edge (@zafarlakarmar) June 13, 2024
Jos Buttler, Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Jamie Smith, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Saqib Mahmood, Phil Salt, Mark Wood.
ENGLAND SQUAD FOR THE T20I SERIES VS INDIA:
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) December 22, 2024
Buttler (C), Wood, Archer, Atkinson, Bethell, Brook, Carse, Duckett, Overton, Jamie Smith, Livingstone, Rashid, Mahmood, Salt and Rehan Ahmed. pic.twitter.com/sOg44MlZG7
Cricket fans can expect a fiery contest as the series kicks off at Eden Gardens. Will England's dynamic lineup overpower India, or will Suryakumar Yadav's team rise to the challenge? The answer lies in how both teams execute their plans on the field.