England Introduce New Faces for First T20 Against Australia

AFP/APP

London: England has announced three debutants for the opening Twenty20 International against Australia on Wednesday, as Jordan Cox, Jacob Bethell, and Jamie Overton join the squad.

The match will take place in Southampton, with Phil Salt stepping in as captain in the absence of the injured Jos Buttler.

The T20 series is part of a larger schedule that includes five one-day internationals against Australia. England’s selection of a youthful squad reflects their recent loss of both the T20 and 50-over World Cups over the past year.

Jordan Cox, 23, who topped the run charts for men’s champions Oval Invincibles in this year’s Hundred competition, and 20-year-old Jacob Bethell, who impressed for Birmingham Phoenix, are set to make their T20 debuts.

Surrey all-rounder Jamie Overton, who has previously played one Test for England, will feature as a batter only while he recovers from a back injury.

England Team:

Phil Salt (captain, wicketkeeper)

Will Jacks

Jordan Cox

Liam Livingstone

Jacob Bethell

Sam Curran

Jamie Overton

Jofra Archer

Adil Rashid

Saqib Mahmood

Reece Topley