NewKerala.com

England Unleash 'Bazball' in T20 World Cup Opener Against Spirited Nepal

England has announced its playing XI for its opening T20 World Cup group match against Nepal in Mumbai. The team, led by captain Harry Brook, is riding high on confidence after a successful run of bilateral series wins. Key players to watch include the in-form opener Phil Salt and the returning Jos Buttler. The side's aggressive approach, influenced by coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' philosophy, will be tested on the world stage.

Key Points: England Playing XI vs Nepal: T20 World Cup Team Announced

  • Harry Brook leads confident England side
  • Phil Salt's explosive form key
  • 'Bazball' approach under Brook & McCullum
  • Team eyes strong World Cup start
2 min read

T20 World Cup: England announce playing XI against Nepal

England names playing XI for T20 World Cup opener vs Nepal. Captain Harry Brook leads a confident side featuring Phil Salt and Jos Buttler.

"England's T20I side has witnessed a remarkable turnaround following Brook's appointment - Report"

Mumbai, February 7

England have announced their playing XI for their opening group stage clash against Nepal at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup.

The Harry Brook-led Three Lions will face spirited Nepal at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on February 8.

England will open their T20 World Cup with a massive confidence boost following a series win across both white-ball formats in Sri Lanka under the captaincy of young Harry Brook, who has switched his side's fortunes since taking over.

Following a dismal white-ball run which started from 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup to 2025 ICC Champions Trophy under Jos Buttler and Matthew Mott, England's T20I side has witnessed a remarkable turnaround following Brook's appointment to white-ball captaincy, with him and coach Brendon McCullum sprinkling the spicy 'Bazball' ingredients in a cricketing environment which is about sixes, strike rates and power-hitting more than ever.

All eyes will be on captain Harry Brook and opener Phil Salt, who are the standout performers for England in the shortest format since last year.

The right-handed opener Salt has been unstoppable for England, scoring the highest T20I total in a match against South Africa.

The explosive hitter has also been racking up runs in franchise cricket, instrumental in Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) maiden IPL title win and dominating other competitions.

Since the young Yorkshire star Brook took over in June 2025, England have won all their bilateral series and won 10 out of their 11 games.

Be at absolute belter wickets at home or even at turning tracks of Sri Lanka, England have been dominant, grinding out victories even when circumstances looked bleak, such as unleashing a spin choke on SL while defending 129 in the final T20I before the WC and winning the game by 12 runs.

England Playing XI against Nepal:

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

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Excited for the Nepal team! They are the underdogs but have so much heart. Hope they give England a tough fight. The World Cup is more fun when associate nations shine. All the best, Nepal! 🙌
A
Aman W
Bazball in T20 cricket is a perfect fit. Sixes, strike rates, aggression - that's what fans pay to see. England's turnaround under Brook and McCullum is impressive, but let's see if this approach holds up under World Cup pressure.
S
Sarah B
Good to see Jofra Archer back in the mix. His pace will be crucial. But honestly, the article feels a bit too much like an England PR piece. Nepal deserves more focus here—it's their big moment on the world stage too.
K
Karthik V
Match at Wankhede! Should be a run-fest. Salt and Brook will love that pitch. Hope the Mumbai crowd turns up and supports Nepal as well, make it a proper carnival atmosphere. 🎉
N
Nikhil C
Strong XI on paper. But T20 is a great leveller. Nepal's spin attack might surprise them if the pitch offers anything. Don't write off the passion of a team playing for their country's pride. #Respect

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50