England T20 Squad 2025: Phil Salt named wicketkeeper, Ben Duckett to open in the first T20 against India

England T20 Squad 2025 has been confirmed for the opening T20 International against India at Eden Gardens, highlighting a strong focus on pace and aggressive batting. Jofra Archer and Mark Wood will take the field, joining Jamie Overton and Gus Atkinson to form a formidable fast-bowling attack.

In a move designed to bolster England’s top order, Ben Duckett will open alongside Phil Salt, who has been named as wicketkeeper for the series opener. Captain Jos Buttler, who will bat at three, has opted to continue his role in the outfield, allowing Salt to take over the wicketkeeping duties.

This series marks the beginning of Brendon McCullum’s tenure as head coach of England’s limited-overs teams, bringing with it the aggressive “Bazball” approach that has revitalised their Test side. McCullum is keen to inject similar energy into the T20 setup, aiming for an exciting, high-pressure style of play.

Liam Livingstone and Jacob Bethell will back up front-line spinner Adil Rashid, ensuring England has a well-rounded attack. The match also serves as a crucial part of preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, with England keen to make a strong statement against one of the top sides in world cricket.

England’s squad for the opening T20 match against India shows their commitment to pace and power hitting. With Jofra Archer and Mark Wood leading the fast-bowling attack, they are looking to set a fast, aggressive tone right from the start. Alongside them, Jamie Overton and Gus Atkinson add more firepower, giving England a deep and varied bowling attack. This strategy will be key to putting pressure on India’s top order early in the match.

The decision to have Ben Duckett and Phil Salt open the batting demonstrates England’s intention to strengthen their top order. With Jos Buttler moving down to number three, it shows confidence in Salt’s ability to handle wicketkeeping duties. England’s squad is shaping up to be well-balanced, combining strong batting, aggressive bowling, and plenty of flexibility. This match will not only be a test of their skills but also an important step towards building momentum for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy.