New Zealand The first of the three-match T20I series will lead to England. This article provides information about the England playing XI vs New Zealand in their first match.
England XI vs New Zealand – 1st T20I, New Zealand Tour 2025:
Keys: Philip Duz, Jos Budler (WK)
England will be looking to build on the 300-wicket mark registered in the last T20I against South Africa in which they crossed the 300-mark mark.
The Harry Brook-LED side would be looking to replicate the same batting performance in the first T20I in three T20Is against New Zealand on Saturday (October 18).
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The Englishmen will be forced to do so given the strength they possess in the fighting department, starting with the opening pair of Phillip Salt and JOS Butler.
Both batsmen are known for their aggressive style of playing in the top six at the top of the order, and will want to play exactly that way against New Zealand’s bowling attack.
In addition to laying a platform for incoming fighters, both salt and buddies will want to get some runs under their belts to gain confidence for matches to come.
Middle Order Batsmen and all-rounders: Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook (C), Tom Banton, Jordan Cox, Sam Curran
The opening duo will be followed by a middle order that has a mixture of youth and experience and includes the likes of Jacob Bethell, Harry Bethell, Tom Banton, Jordan Cox and Sam Curran.
At first glance, the above batsmen seem to be relatively new to international cricket, but they have a lot of experience when it comes to playing in various T20 leagues around the world.
The batsmen will want to use this experience in the first T20I against New Zealand and help the team reach their total while sinking first.
The onus is on the captain, Harry Brook, from the front and other batsmen like Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton and Sam Curran to give him good support, especially in the middle stages of England’s batting innings.
Bowlers: Liam Dawson, Brydon Carse, Adil Rashid, Luke Wood
As far as the team’s bowling line-up is concerned, it will do its job with excellence against a batting order that includes some quality players like Daryl Mitchell and Tim Robinson.
England are expected to bat with four specialist bowlers and Sam Curran in the top seven, with Sam Curran as a funder with the new ball if necessary.
Curran will be accompanied by Luke Wood and Brydon Carse and the trio will be selected to bat in all three rounds of the innings.
The spin bowling department will be led by Adil Rashid and Liam Dawson, both of whom will be hoping to rule things in the middle overs when it comes to T20 cricket.
