The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced the playing XI for their upcoming match against the West Indies in the Group C fixture of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, where the team has one key change. 

England narrowly avoid shocking defeat against Nepal

The two-time T20 World Cup champions England were almost beaten by Nepal in their first game of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. Despite scoring 184/7 in 20 overs in that Group C fixture at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, England conceded 180/6 in 20 overs, as Sam Curran successfully defended 10 runs in the last over to secure a four-run win. 

While England are already under pressure with their recent poor performances, the beginning of the ongoing T20 World Cup has given them another real image of the team. By claiming a very close win against Nepal, England can't afford any hiccup in the remaining matches of the group stage, while they are yet to face the two-time winners West Indies, along with Scotland and Italy. 

On the other hand, the West Indies claimed a comfortable win in their tournament opener against Scotland, where the Caribbean team won by 35 runs after scoring 182/5 in 20 overs. The West Indies are also struggling in the recent T20I matches, as the English team is eyeing a strong victory to set a better message for the tournament. 

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England playing XI update: Jamie Overton replaced Luke Wood

For the upcoming group stage fixture against the West Indies, England have made one change from their tournament opener. All-rounder Jamie Overton has been added to the playing XI for the forthcoming game, while the left-arm seamer Luke Wood has been dropped. In the match against Nepal, Wood had the bowling figures of 3-0-31-1. 

England playing XI against West Indies for Group C in ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026

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