ENG vs NZ 2025: England Announce Playing XI for First T20I Against New Zealand

England have named their playing XI for the first T20I against New Zealand, which will be played in Christchurch on Saturday, October 18. The team was announced two days before the match. Harry Brook will return as captain after missing the Ireland tour. Most of the squad is the same as the one that played against South Africa in Manchester last month, with just a few changes.

Jordan Cox, who scored his first T20I fifty against Ireland, keeps his place at No. 7. Brydon Carse comes into the side in place of Jofra Archer. Cox replaces Will Jacks, who is being rested as England manage his workload ahead of the Ashes. Both Cox and Sam Curran impressed during *The Hundred* for the Oval Invincibles, which helped them earn their spots in the team. Cox, who was named Player of the Tournament and hit a quick 35-ball 55 against Ireland, will continue as a middle-order batter.

Curran will play a flexible role in the batting order alongside Tom Banton. Adil Rashid and Liam Dawson will handle the spin duties, with Jacob Bethell as an extra option. The pace attack will be led by Curran, Carse, and Luke Wood.

England will play three T20Is against New Zealand the first two in Christchurch on October 18 and 20, followed by the final game in Auckland on October 23. The two sides will then meet again for a three-match ODI series on October 26, 29, and November 1.

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