T20 World Cup: England announce playing XI for opening clash vs Nepal

England have announced their playing XI for the T20 World Cup opener against Nepal. Led by Harry Brook, the team is confident after a series win in Sri Lanka, marking a turnaround from their previous form. Phil Salt and Brook are the players to watch.

England have announced their playing XI for their opening group stage clash against Nepal at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup. The Harry Brook-led Three Lions will face spirited Nepal at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on February 8.

Brook's Captaincy Sparks Turnaround

England will open their T20 World Cup with a massive confidence boost following a series win across both white-ball formats in Sri Lanka under the captaincy of young Harry Brook, who has switched his side's fortunes since taking over. Following a dismal white-ball run which started from 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup to 2025 ICC Champions Trophy under Jos Buttler and Matthew Mott, England's T20I side has witnessed a remarkable turnaround following Brook's appointment to white-ball captaincy, with him and coach Brendon McCullum sprinkling the spicy 'Bazball' ingredients in a cricketing environment which is about sixes, strike rates and power-hitting more than ever.

Players in Focus

All eyes will be on captain Harry Brook and opener Phil Salt, who are the standout performers for England in the shortest format since last year. The right-handed opener Salt has been unstoppable for England, scoring the highest T20I total in a match against South Africa. The explosive hitter has also been racking up runs in franchise cricket, instrumental in Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) maiden IPL title win and dominating other competitions.

Dominant Winning Streak

Since the young Yorkshire star Brook took over in June 2025, England have won all their bilateral series and won 10 out of their 11 games. Be at absolute belter wickets at home or even at turning tracks of Sri Lanka, England have been dominant, grinding out victories even when circumstances looked bleak, such as unleashing a spin choke on SL while defending 129 in the final T20I before the WC and winning the game by 12 runs.

England Playing XI against Nepal

Phil Salt, Jos Buttler (wicketkeeper), Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Harry Brook (captain), Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Liam Dawson, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Luke Wood. (ANI)

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