The much-anticipated T20I series between India and England kicks off at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Wednesday, January 22, 7:00 PM IST. With both teams boasting an aggressive batting lineup, world-class bowling, and familiarity with the venue, this opening clash promises to be an explosive start to the series.
Match Details
- Fixture: India vs England, 1st T20I
- Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
- Date & Time: Wednesday, January 22, 7:00 PM IST
- Live Streaming: Star Sports Network and Disney+ Hotstar,Vegas11
Pitch Report
Eden Gardens is a paradise for batters, especially in T20 cricket. The flat, hard surface offers true bounce, allowing for free-flowing strokeplay. Spinners will come into play as the match progresses, with some turn and grip available. Dew could also play a role, favoring teams chasing under the lights.
- Average First Innings Total (T20Is): 198 (IPL 2024 stats)
- Chasing Record: Teams chasing have won four of the seven IPL matches played here in 2024.
Team Previews
India
India enter this series riding high on confidence after an impressive T20 World Cup victory and a recent dominant series against West Indies. Under the calm yet dynamic leadership of Suryakumar Yadav, India’s batting order boasts power hitters like Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma, and Rinku Singh, complemented by all-rounders like Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel.
In the bowling department, Mohammed Shami will spearhead the pace attack, supported by Arshdeep Singh, while Ravi Bishnoi and Varun Chakaravarthy provide the spin threat. India will also look to exploit England’s struggles in the powerplay with their well-versed bowling unit.
India’s Probable XI:
Sanju Samson (wk),Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (c),Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Ravi Bishnoi,varun Chakaravarthy, Mohammed Shami
England
England’s attacking brand of cricket remains their hallmark under Jos Buttler’s leadership. Buttler, coming off some memorable performances at Eden Gardens, leads a star-studded batting lineup featuring Phil Salt, Harry Brook, and Liam Livingstone. The inclusion of Jacob Bethell adds variety to the middle order, while Jofra Archer and Mark Wood spearhead the pace attack.
Their spinners, Adil Rashid and Jacob Bethell, will have a crucial role to play on this surface, especially against India’s left-handers. However, their inability to contain runs in the powerplay remains a concern.
England’s Playing XI:
Ben Duckett, Phil Salt (wk)Jos Buttler (c),Harry Brook, Liam Livingstone, Jacob Bethell,Jamie Overton, Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood
Key Players to Watch
India
- Suryakumar Yadav: The skipper will aim to lead from the front. Known for his 360-degree strokeplay, he has been India’s backbone in T20s.
- Mohammed Shami: With his ability to swing the new ball and deliver in the death overs, Shami could be a game-changer.
England
- Jos Buttler: The England captain’s familiarity with Eden Gardens and his match-winning abilities make him a vital asset for the visitors.
- Adil Rashid: England’s leading spinner will be crucial in breaking partnerships and containing runs in the middle overs.
Tactics and Match-ups
- India: Mohammed Shami will look to exploit Jos Buttler’s early vulnerability, having dismissed him thrice in T20s. Varun CV and Ravi Bishnoi could be deployed against Harry Brook and Liam Livingstone, who have struggled against spin recently.
- England: Adil Rashid and Jofra Archer will target India’s left-handers, particularly Abhishek Sharma and Rinku Singh. Jacob Bethell’s left-arm spin could be used to contain Suryakumar and Hardik Pandya.
Did You Know?
- Run Machines: Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma, Abhishek Sharma, and Suryakumar Yadav have collectively scored 4304 T20 runs since 2024 at a combined strike rate of 167.53.
- Powerplay Concerns for England: Since 2024, England’s powerplay economy rate of 9.14 is the highest among full-member teams.
- Arshdeep Singh’s Brilliance: With 36 wickets in 18 innings, Arshdeep is the leading T20I wicket-taker among pacers since 2024.
What They Said
Suryakumar Yadav, India Captain:
“They (England) have always been aggressive in T20 cricket. It will be a good challenge, but we’ve prepared well and are ready to face them. Our bowlers know the areas to target, and it’s going to be an exciting game.”
Jos Buttler, England Captain:
“It’s a full-strength squad for us, which is exciting. India is always a challenging side, but we are ready for it. The conditions will be interesting, and Eden Gardens is always special.”
Conclusion
The first T20I between India and England at Eden Gardens is shaping up to be an enthralling contest. Both teams are loaded with firepower, and their aggressive styles promise a high-scoring affair. While India will rely on their in-form batting and experienced bowling attack, England will look to counter with their explosive lineup and potent bowling duo of Rashid and Archer.
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