ENG vs SA 2025: England announce XI for first T20I in Cardiff, Brook brings Salt back

England have confirmed their playing XI for the opening T20I against South Africa, scheduled to take place in Cardiff on Wednesday, September 10. The hosts have made four changes from the ODI series, with Phil Salt, Sam Curran, Jamie Overton, and Jofra Archer all coming into the side.

The tourists arrive in high spirits after winning the ODI series 2-1, despite England finishing strongly with a record-breaking victory in the final match. England’s 342-run win stands as the largest margin of victory in the history of One-Day Internationals.

Salt has been rewarded with a call-up following an impressive campaign in The Hundred for Manchester Originals. The wicketkeeper-batter scored 203 runs in eight innings at an average of 25.37 and a strike rate of nearly 131, including one half-century.

Curran’s all-round brilliance has also earned him a return to England’s white-ball squad. The all-rounder last featured in international cricket in November but has since excelled for Oval Invincibles in The Hundred. Curran scored 238 runs in eight innings at an average of 34.00 and a blistering strike rate of 176.29, including two fifties. With the ball, he picked up 12 wickets at an average of 19.83, proving crucial in guiding the Invincibles to a third consecutive title.

Archer’s return is another major boost for England. The fast bowler has enjoyed an injury-free summer, taking back-to-back four-wicket hauls in the ODIs against South Africa and claiming nine wickets in two home Tests against India. His pace and fitness will be closely monitored as England look ahead to major tournaments.

The three-match T20I series will continue with the second fixture at Manchester on September 12, before concluding in Nottingham on September 14.

England playing XI for the first T20I:

Phil Salt, Jos Buttler (wicketkeeper), Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook (Captain), Sam Curran, Tom Banton, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid

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