Two major contenders for the T20 World Cup in Australia go head to head in a series that is an important step on the path to glory.
India recently shared a home series against South Africa and need to prove they are still an elite outfit in this format.
England vs India | 7 July 2022 | Rose Bowl, Southampton | 19:00
To Win Match
England | Tie 25/1 India *betting tba
England
Jos Buttler assumes the leadership of the England white-ball teams and it now remains to be seen if he can maintain his incredible levels of performance with the bat in T20 cricket.
Liam Livingstone and Dawid Malan have made positions in this T20I side their own over the last couple of years and are now key players.
With an inexperienced attack, much will be asked of David Willey and a returning Tymal Mills.
With Adil Rashid granted leave to perform the Hajj pilgrimage, Matt Parkinson will be asked to do the job of middle over wicket-taker.
India
It remains unclear if Rohit Sharma will be fit enough to lead India out in the first T20I but backup skippers Rishabh Pant and Hardik Pandya are on hand.
This might be a last chance for Virat Kohli to prove he can still cut it in this format and bring success to India.
Ishan Kishan is the real dangerman in this India outfit and the man who can give his side a similar boost to the Buttler effect for England.
Harshal Patel is fast becoming one of the best white-ball quicks in the world right now.
Verdict: England
At home England should have the edge but this is a close call.
