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England Unveil Playing XI for T20 WC Opener vs Nepal, Brook to Captain

England has announced its playing XI for its T20 World Cup 2026 campaign opener against Nepal in Mumbai. The side will be captained by Harry Brook, who is making his debut as a skipper in an ICC event. The team features a powerful batting lineup and a balanced bowling attack spearheaded by Jofra Archer. England enters the tournament with confidence after a 3-0 series sweep against Sri Lanka.

Key Points: England T20 WC 2026 Playing XI vs Nepal Announced

  • Harry Brook named captain
  • Strong batting with Salt & Buttler
  • Archer leads pace attack
  • Team high on confidence after Sri Lanka sweep
2 min read

T20 WC: England unveil playing XI for campaign opener against Nepal

England names Harry Brook as captain for T20 World Cup 2026 opener against Nepal. See the full playing XI, squad details, and group stage schedule.

"The two-time world champions will be captained by Harry Brook, who will be making his debut as a skipper in an ICC tournament."

Mumbai, Feb 7

The England cricket team has announced its playing XI for its opening match in the T20 World Cup 2026 to be played against Nepal at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday.

The two-time world champions will be captained by Harry Brook, who will be making his debut as a skipper in an ICC tournament.

England have a strong batting line-up with Phil Salt and Jos Buttler to open the innings, followed by Jacob Bethell and Tom Banton at number three and four, respectively.

Captain Brook will bat at number five, and all-rounders Sam Curran and Will Jacks will have a responsibility to finish the innings.

England has picked two fast bowlers, Jofra Archer and Luke Wood, while Curran will be the third pace option.

Brook-led side will play with two spinners, Adil Rashid and Liam Dawson, while Will Jacks will be the third spin option. The team has ignored Jamie Overton, who was part of their playing XI against Sri Lanka in the bilateral series ahead of the World Cup.

England is placed in Group C in the tournament. After their opener against Nepal, the team will take on the West Indies on February 11 at the same venue.

The team will then move to Kolkata, where they will play at the Eden Gardens Stadium against Scotland on February 14 and Italy on February 16 in the group stage.

England are coming to the tournament with high confidence, as they beat the co-hosts Sri Lanka by 3-0 in the bilateral series, which was crucial for their World Cup preparation.

The two-time winners reached the semi-finals of the last T20 World Cup held in 2024, where they were eliminated by the eventual winners, India.

England's playing XI

Phil Salt, Jos Buttler (wk), Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Harry Brook (c), Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Liam Dawson, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Luke Wood.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Interesting to see Harry Brook as captain. Big pressure for a debut skipper in a World Cup, even against a team like Nepal. England's batting looks very deep though.
A
Arjun K
Jofra Archer is back! That's the real news. If he stays fit, he will be a nightmare for any batting line-up in these conditions. England are serious contenders.
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Priya S
As an Indian fan, my main interest is who we might face in the knockouts. England's journey will be fun to watch. But honestly, the article spends too much time on their bilateral series win. Beating Sri Lanka at home is very different from a World Cup in India.
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Vikram M
Good to see the World Cup back in India! Wankhede, then Eden Gardens... iconic venues. Hope the pitches are sporting. England's team is balanced, but their spin options (Rashid, Dawson, Jacks) will be truly tested here. Our grounds are not like England!
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Karthik V
They left out Overton? That's a bit harsh after he was playing in the prep series. Team management must have a specific plan for the Mumbai wicket. All the best to Nepal! Would love an upset 😄

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