Harry Brook Drops RCB Batter in England's Predicted XI vs India
England captain Harry Brook is set to leave out an RCB player as the hosts take on India in the first T20I at Durham.
England and India are set to clash in the first T20I of the series at Chester-le-Street in Durham on Wednesday. Both teams come into the match after recent series losses: India were beaten by Ireland in a two-match T20I series, while England were defeated 2-1 by New Zealand in Tests. With a new-look white-ball squad, England are slight favorites on home soil.
England's predicted XI features openers Jos Buttler and Phil Salt, who have retained their spots despite a poor T20 World Cup. Jacob Bethell is likely at number three, but the RCB batter could be the one dropped if Harry Brook decides to tweak the order. Captain Brook himself will bat at four, leading a strong middle order including Tom Banton, Will Jacks, and Sam Curran.
Bethell struggled for RCB in IPL 2026 but was impressive in the T20 World Cup, scoring a century against India in the semifinals. Will Jacks, named MVP of the 2026 T20 World Cup, poses a significant threat with both bat and ball. The hosts have shown faith in Tom Banton to fill a key role in the batting lineup.