India vs England, 1st T20I: Preview, Dream11 prediction and stats
India and England are all set to meet each other in the first T20I on Friday. After winning the Test series 3-1, Team India will be aiming to find momentum in the shortest format. One expects to see a cracking contest between two top sides. The five T20Is will be played in Ahmedabad. Here we present the major details ahead of the first T20I.
1st T20I: Team news and selection
India will be without Varun Chakrvarthy after the mystery spinner got ruled out of the series for failing a fitness test. As per reports, Rahul Chahar is likely to be added to India's T20I squad. Meanwhile, Rahul Tewatia and T Natarajan are also set to sit out. Eoin Morgan-led England have a full squad on offer.
TV listing, timing, pitch report and conditions
The match is set to start at 7:00 PM IST and will be telecast live on the Star Sports Network. One can also stream the same on the Hotstar app. As per reports, the pitch is likely to assist batsmen, besides offering substance for the spinners. The temperature is set to be on the higher side on Friday with no rainfall predicted.
Rahul could open the batting alongside Rohit
India could hand KL Rahul the baton to open the innings alongside Rohit Sharma, despite the presence of Shikhar Dhawan. Axar Patel's terrific show in the Test series could see him be the third all-rounder of the side alongside Washington Sundar and Hardik Pandya. Team India probable XI: Rahul, Rohit, Kohli (C), Shreyas Iyer, Pant (WK), Hardik, Sundar, Axar, Deepak Chahar, Bhuvneshwar, Yuzvendra Chahal.
England have plenty of firepower to overcome India
England are set to face a strong XI and the side boasts of a terrific front three with Jason Roy, Jos Buttler, and Dawid Malan in the ranks. Sam Billings could be chosen ahead of Jonny Bairstow. England could go in with four pace options. England probable XI: Buttler (WK), Jason Roy, Malan, Sam Billings, Stokes, Morgan (C), Sam Curran, Ali, Jordan, Archer, Rashid.
England look like the better side on paper
India's inexperienced bowling could be a blessing for England. Also, the likes of Bhuvi and Pandya are returning from injuries and it remains to be seen what they offer. The batting looks strong for Team India and it's the top-order that could set the tone. England have a settled XI and look like the better side on paper. They will want to start well.
Records that can be scripted in this match
Kohli (2,928) needs 72 runs to register the mark of 3,000 in T20Is. He will be the first to do so. Rohit Sharma is five shy of 250 fours in T20Is. Yuzvendra Chahal (59) needs a wicket to steer clear of Jasprit Bumrah.
India vs England, 1st T20I: Dream11 team prediction
India vs England, 1st T20I, Dream11 team prediction: Jos Buttler (wk), KL Rahul (c), Rohit Sharma, Dawid Malan, Hardik Pandya, Sam Curran (vc), Axar Patel, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Yuzvendra Chahal, Deepak Chahar.
