England have confirmed their starting lineup for the first Twenty20 International against Sri Lanka, with several notable absences shaping the composition of the side.
The visitors will be without Phil Salt, Jacob Bethell and Sam Curran, all unavailable due to fitness concerns. Jofra Archer has been rested following the Test series, while Brydon Carse remains unavailable for selection in the near term.
These absences have created opportunities for other players. Jordan Cox returns to T20 International cricket for the first time since October 2025, while Aneurin Donald, the Glamorgan-developed Derbyshire batter, will make his debut in the format as an opener. Donald impressed recently when he scored 31 runs from just eight deliveries for the Lions against Sri Lanka in a warm-up fixture.
Head coach Brendon McCullum expressed confidence in Donald's selection ahead of the match.
He's a cricketer who has been on our radar for a long time. He's got a game where he can go from ball one. He's got raw power, an incredible amount of talent.
England's lineup
The full England XI reads: Aneurin Donald, Jos Buttler (wicketkeeper), Harry Brook (captain), Tom Banton, Jordan Cox, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson, Josh Tongue, Sonny Baker and Adil Rashid.
What to expect from this series?
This fixture marks the beginning of an intensive white-ball schedule, with six limited-overs matches scheduled across the next two weeks. The series provides an opportunity for England's white-ball captain Harry Brook and McCullum to continue their established partnership in the format, while also introducing new tactical elements to the team's approach.
The match takes place at the Rose Bowl in Southampton, with play commencing at 6:30pm local time on the south coast.
