New Delhi: England have announced an unchanged playing X1 for the third T20I against India at the Niranjan Shah Stadium, Rajkot on Tuesday, January 28. England have retained Jamie Smith in the playing X1 for the must-win clash. England, trailing 0-2, in the series, must win the third T20I to stay alive in the five-match series.
Smith came into the England side in the second T20I in place of Jacob Bethell, who missed out through illness but was fit enough to train on Monday.
Smith scored 22 from 12 balls on his T20 international debut in Saturday’s two-wicket loss in the second match of the series at the M.A Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
We have named an unchanged team for our third T20I v India as we look to pull one back in the series 🙌
The game will get underway at 13:30 GMT (19:00 local) in Rajkot tomorrow ⏰ pic.twitter.com/5LQJPO3s5B
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) January 27, 2025
Smith’s 12-ball 22 was studded with 2 maximums and a boundary. His late cameo provided a much-needed impetus to England’s innings and helped the visitors reach 165 for 9 in 20 overs.
However, the total didn’t prove enough as India, despite a slow start was carried all the way by Tilak Varma, who played a match-winning unbeaten knock of 72 off 55 balls.
Wood expresses hope of a comeback
Meanwhile, England fast bowler Mark Wood expressed hope of a comeback in the third T20I. After returning from injury, the English pacer has played in both matches of the series so far. The 35-year-old fast bowler was sidelined since August with a stress fracture in his elbow.
Wood’s comeback from injury hasn’t been a productive one for the Three Lions. The veteran quick has bowled 5.5 overs across the series and has managed to take just one wicket, leaking runs at an economy rate of 8.83 per over.
England playing X1 for third T20I vs India: Ben Duckett, Phil Salt (wicketkeeper), Jos Buttler (captain), Harry Brook, Liam Livingstone, Jamie Smith, Jamie Overton, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood.
India vs England T20I series: England have announced the playing X1 for the third T20I at the Niranjan Shah Stadium, Rajkot on Tuesday, Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
