Vikrant Shekhawat : Jan 21, 2025, 01:00 PM
IND vs ENG: The much-awaited T20I series between India and England is going to start in Kolkata from January 22. This series holds special importance for the English team, as after this both the teams will play a three-match ODI series. This ODI series will be very important in terms of preparations for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025, which will be held in Pakistan and Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) from February 19.Coach Brendon McCullum's reactionEngland coach Brendon McCullum termed this series exciting and said, "We were aware of this tour two months ago and this is a great opportunity for us. Playing against a team like India is always challenging and exciting."Jos Buttler: New strategy as captainEngland captain Jos Buttler will not take up wicketkeeping on this tour and will focus only on batting. Coach McCullum said, "Butler will decide the wicketkeeping strategies from the field itself, which will give him a better opportunity to communicate with the bowlers. This is a positive step for the team."This decision can prove to be strategically important for the England team under Butler's captaincy, as it will give him the opportunity to fully focus on his batting and play a decisive role.Harry Brook: Responsibility of the new vice-captaincyThe England Cricket Board (ECB) has appointed dashing batsman Harry Brook as the vice-captain of the T20I and ODI team. Announcing this decision on the social media platform 'X', the ECB wrote, "Harry Brook, our new men's white-ball team vice-captain." Brook's selection is being considered a positive step keeping in mind England's future.Important challenge for IndiaThis series will be a big opportunity for the Indian team to prove its domestic strength and test its preparations for the Champions Trophy. The presence of young talent along with experienced players like captain Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli makes the Indian team balanced. Team India can create problems for the English team with its aggressive play and spin bowling.Exciting series expectedBoth teams will enter the field with their respective strong sides. While England has the strength of aggressive batsmen and experience, India has the advantage of home conditions and a bowling full of variety.Cricket fans are expected to enjoy high level cricket from this series. The thrill of the first match will be seen at the historic Eden Gardens Stadium in Kolkata. It will be interesting to see which team takes the lead in the series.England team for T20I series:Jos Buttler (captain), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook (vice-captain), Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Jamie Smith, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Saqib Mahmood, Phil Salt, Mark Wood.England squad for ODI series:Jos Buttler (captain), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook (vice-captain), Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Jamie Smith, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Saqib Mahmood, Phil Salt, Mark Wood.
Brendon McCullum confirms Jos Buttler will NOT take the gloves during the T20I series vs India 🧤#INDvENG
— England's Barmy Army 🏴🎺 (@TheBarmyArmy) January 20, 2025
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