England vs India 1st T20I: Match preview
Kohli led India have started their tour of UK on a winning note as they wrapped up the series against Ireland 2-0. However, India's real challenge starts now as they lock horns with England in the first of the three-match T20I series. India have momentum but England are in red-hot form. Here is all you need to know about this fixture.
Where can you watch this fixture?
England vs India, 1st T20I begins at 10.00 PM IST and will be shown live on Sony Six and Sony Six HD. You can also live stream the fixture on Sony LIV app.
Indian openers were prolific against Ireland
Both India and England are high on confidence. Indian batting has been exceptional, giving skipper Kohli and Shastri a selection headache. With Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan and KL Rahul in great form, Kohli has plenty to ponder over. India's middle order batsmen were not tested against Ireland but considering the experience of Raina, DK and Dhoni, India have no worries in this department.
Indian spinners will pose plenty of threat
Under Virat Kohli's leadership, India bowlers have joined the party, as well. The likes of Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav extracted plenty of turn against Ireland, while the pace bowlers impressed us with their skills on the pace-friendly tracks. Swing king Bhuvi will have a key role to play while spin duo Kuldeep and Chahal are expected to pose plenty of threat.
England's batting core has been on fire
As for England, they are in red-hot form and recently whitewashed second-string Australia 5-0 in the ODI series. What seems to be a concern for the Indian bowlers is that five of England's batsmen Alex Hales, Jonny Bairstow, Jason Roy, Jos Buttler and Eoin Morgan are enjoying the form of their lives. Will the Indian bowlers have enough venom to halt the English juggernaut?
England: Probable Playing XI
Eoin Morgan (captain), Jason Roy, Jos Buttler (wicket-keeper), Alex Hales, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Moeen Ali, David Willey, Adil Rashid, Chris Jordan and Liam Plunkett.
India: Probable Playing XI
Virat Kohli (captain), Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Suresh Raina, MS Dhoni (wicket-keeper), Hardik Pandya, Manish Pandey, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, Umesh Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal.
