England will go into the third T20I against India at Trent Bridge with an unchanged playing XI after leading the series by 1-0 in Manchester. The hosts confirmed that they would retain the same combination that secured a four-wicket win in the second match, backing both their batting unit and bowling attack despite a few individual struggles at Old Trafford.

 

The decision means openers Phil Salt and Jos Buttler will get another opportunity despite both being dismissed for ducks in the previous game. England have also persisted with debutant fast bowler Josh Tongue and leg-spinner Adil Rashid, even though neither managed to make a major impact with the ball.

 

The unchanged XI reflects England’s confidence in the balance of the side after the middle order and finishers guided them past the target in the second T20I.

 

Read also: Ravi Bishnoi Set to Be Dropped? India Likely to Play Extra Pacer in Crucial 3rd T20I vs England

 

Middle order gives England confidence

 

While the opening pair failed in Manchester, England’s middle order delivered under pressure to revive the chase and pull the side level in the series. Captain Harry Brook made a brisk 39 to shift the momentum before Jacob Bethell and Tom Banton combined in a decisive stand.

 

Bethell remained unbeaten on 76 and was central to the chase, while Banton added 39 in a partnership worth 67 runs that steadied England after the early setbacks. Their efforts gave England the control they needed to finish the game with six balls remaining.

 

That performance appears to have convinced the team management to keep faith in the same batting order for the Trent Bridge contest.

 

Bowlers also retain their spots

 

England’s bowling attack has also been kept intact after helping restrict India to 190 for 7 in Manchester. India had recovered from a difficult start through contributions from Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer, while Tilak Varma’s unbeaten late cameo pushed the visitors close to the 200-run mark.

 

Josh Tongue conceded 46 runs in his four overs on debut and Rashid went wicketless in his two overs, but England have still opted against making any changes. The decision suggests the side is focusing more on the overall team performance than isolated returns from individual players.

 

With the series now level, the third T20I at Trent Bridge gives England the chance to move ahead against the reigning world champions while continuing with the combination that delivered in Manchester.

 

England’s playing 11: Phil Salt, Jos Buttler, Harry Brook (C), Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Liam Dawson, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Josh Tongue