England have unveiled their playing XI for the opening game of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, with batter Ben Duckett being dropped from the side. The left-hander recently featured in the third T20I against Sri Lanka in Pallekele, where he was dismissed for a three-ball duck. In his place, England have opted to bring in Tom Banton, who will slot in at the number four position in the batting order.
Alongside the change, Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton and skipper Harry Brook form a strong middle order, providing both stability and firepower. Meanwhile, Sam Curran, Will Jacks and Liam Dawson add much-needed depth to the batting line-up while also contributing with the ball. In the pace department, Jofra Archer and Luke Wood will shoulder the responsibility, with Adil Rashid continuing as England’s frontline spinner.
England have been placed in Group C of the tournament, alongside Italy, Nepal, Scotland and West Indies. The Three Lions enter the competition carrying sensational form, having registered consecutive victories against Ireland, New Zealand and Sri Lanka in recent weeks. They recently completed a dominant 3-0 whitewash of Sri Lanka away from home, sending strong warning signals to the rest of the teams participating in the tournament.
Brook reflects on Wellington incident
Meanwhile, ahead of England’s opening match, captain Harry Brook has opened up about the difficult period he has endured in recent times following an incident on the night of October 31 in Wellington. The England skipper was reportedly involved in an altercation outside a nightclub, for which he issued public apologies on three separate occasions. As part of a disciplinary process, Brook was fined the maximum £30,000 by the ECB and placed on a final warning.
“It has been pretty horrendous, to be honest, but that is part of it. It has just been tough. People have been able to support me around the group. It’s not been a very nice time of my life. It has just not been easy,” Brook was quoted as sayin by ESPN.
“All I do is hit a ball with a bat, and that’s what I want to carry on doing for the rest of [my career] – 15, 20 years or whatever – and that’s all it should be. Thankfully, I’m still pretty good at that,” he added.
England Playing XI: Phil Salt, Jos Buttler, Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Harry Brook (C), Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Liam Dawson, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Luke Wood.
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