Veteran wicketkeeper-batsman Jonny Bairstow is optimistic about England`s chances in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka.
The “Three Lions” have announced their squad for the marquee event, and surprisingly, they have included pacer Josh Tongue, who has not played a single limited-overs match for the side.
Harry Brook has been named as the captain of England`s squad for the mega tournament. The squad also consists of the likes of Jos Buttler, Adil Rashid, and Jofra Archer.
Bairstow, who is currently playing for Sunrisers Eastern Cape (SEC) in the ongoing SA20 League, was asked about England`s performance in the subcontinent and chances in the T20 World Cup. In response, the wicketkeeper-batter said that the side has got a lot of experience and they have been playing in the subcontinent for some time.
While speaking about the squad, he said that Buttler has done well in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and his knowledge will be helpful for the players, who haven`t had much experience.
“Look, they`ve got a lot of experience, haven`t they? People have been playing over there, such as Jos Buttler, who is doing exceptionally well in the Indian Premier League. So, he`ll be passing on knowledge to guys who haven`t got quite as much. And we`ll wait and see,” the 36-year-old cricketer told reporters.
England will play three ODIs and then three T20Is on their Sri Lanka tour, starting January 22. They have been placed in Group C of the T20 World Cup 2026 along with the teams such as Bangladesh, Italy, Nepal and the West Indies.
Harry Brook-led England will kick off their campaign by playing a clash against Nepal on February 8 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
The semi-finals 1 and 2 of the tournament have been scheduled to be played on March 4 and 5, respectively. The fans will witness the title clash of the global showpiece on March 8.
England squad for T20I World Cup 2026: Harry Brook (captain), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Josh Tongue, Luke Wood.
(With ANI Inputs)
