England have named their XI for the first match of the home T20I series against South Africa on Wednesday (September 10).
Sam Curran returns to England XI
This would be the first time Curran would feature in an England XI under head coach Brendon McCullum. His last Test came in August 2021, before the former New Zealand captain took over the England side. Similarly, his last ODI and T20I came in November 2024, before McCullum took charge of the white-ball sides.
Curran was selected after a stellar Men's Hundred campaign, which helped the Oval Invincibles win their third title in a row. His all-round performance produced 238 runs at an average of 34 and a strike rate of 176.29, in addition to taking 12 wickets at an average of 19.83 and an economy rate of 8.55.
Curran is one of the seam-bowling all-rounders in the side along with Jamie Overton and Jofra Archer, who is set to play for the first time in the format since the five-match series against India in February.
Phil Salt returns to open the batting after missing the T20I series against West Indies in June due to paternity leave. England have decided to pair Salt with Jos Buttler at the top of the order, with the latter moving up from No. 3. The last time England played, Ben Duckett opened the innings with Jamie Smith. While Duckett has been rested for this series, Smith is still part of the squad.
The shake-up means Jacob Bethell, who became the second youngest batter to score a men's ODI hundred in an England shirt two days back, is set to bat at No.3. Along with Bethell, England have other spin-bowling all-rounders in Will Jacks and Liam Dawson. Adil Rashid is the only specialist spinner.
This will be Harry Brook’s second T20I stint as full-time white-ball captain. He started with flying colours with a 3-0 clean sweep against the West Indies. Tom Banton, who made his comeback to the side after three years last time, retains his place in the side.
The match will be played at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff, starting from 6:30 pm local time.
1st T20I, England vs South Africa
vs
England XI for first South Africa T20I
Phil Salt, Jos Buttler, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook (c), Sam Curran, Tom Banton, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid
England have named their playing XI for the first T20I against South Africa, with Sam Curran making a return to the side after nearly 10 months.#ENGvSA #Cricket pic.twitter.com/hFzQLilzld
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) September 9, 2025
