The playing lineup for Wednesday’s first Twenty20 International match against India, which will take place at Kolkata’s famed Eden Gardens, was revealed by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Tuesday.

After more than a year away, fast bowler Gus Atkinson has returned to the England squad, widely known as the Three Lions. During the December 2022 trip to the West Indies, he made his last appearance abroad. Atkinson has taken six wickets in three games at a solid economy rate of 9.50, making his T20I career noteworthy thus far.

Joining a fearsome trio of fast bowlers—Jofra Archer, Jamie Overton, and Mark Wood—Atkinson’s return will create a powerful pace attack. Adil Rashid will lead England’s spin bowling unit, with part-time spin alternatives Liam Livingstone and Jacob Bethell providing assistance.

After missing a year, Ben Duckett is expected to rejoin England’s T20I team, essentially taking Will Jacks’ place.

The England cricket squad landed in India on January 18 in order to start practicing ahead of the series. Liam Livingstone, who flew in straight from South Africa after his time with the Pretoria Capitals in the SA20 2025, was notably the first player to report for duty.

When it comes to the two sides’ head-to-head record in Twenty20 Internationals, India has a tiny advantage over England, having won 13 of the 24 games played between them.

England’s starting lineup

Harry Brook, Liam Livingstone, Jacob Bethell, Jamie Overton, Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood, Ben Duckett, Phil Salt (WK), and Jos Buttler (C).