England have had a tough time in limited-overs cricket in 2025, having been outclassed in both the T20I and ODI series in India, suffering 4-1 and 3-0 losses, respectively.
Placed in the ‘group of death’ alongside Australia, South Africa, and Afghanistan, England’s journey won’t be easy. After facing Australia, they will take on Afghanistan in Lahore and South Africa in Karachi.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has confirmed their playing XI for Saturday’s highly anticipated clash.
England Unveils Playing XI for Opening Match of the Tournament Against Australi
Jamie Smith, who missed the last two T20Is and the entire ODI series against India due to a calf injury, has been named in England’s playing XI for the upcoming match against Australia, set for February 22, Saturday, in Lahore.
Phil Salt, who previously kept wickets against India, will now feature as a specialist batter.
The pace attack will be led by Jofra Archer, Brydon Carse, and Mark Wood, while Adil Rashid will be supported by Liam Livingstone and Joe Root as backup spinners.
In the batting lineup, England will rely heavily on the experienced duo of Joe Root and Jos Buttler to tackle Australia’s Adam Zampa in the middle overs.
Tom Banton, Saqib Mahmood, Gus Atkinson, and Jamie Overton are the players who will miss out on a spot in the playing XI.
England Playing XI vs Australia: Phil Salt, Ben Duckett, Jamie Smith (wk), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler (c), Liam Livingstone, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, and Mark Wood.
