The England cricket team has touched down in India ahead of a highly anticipated white-ball series, marking the commencement of their 2025 tour. The series is set to begin on January 22 with a five-match T20 International (T20I) series, followed by a three-match One Day International (ODI) series.
Series Schedule and Venues
The T20I series will kick off at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on January 22. The teams will then proceed to Chennai for the second T20I on January 25, followed by matches in Rajkot (January 28), Pune (January 31), and concluding in Mumbai on February 2. The ODI series is slated to begin in Nagpur on February 6, with subsequent games in Cuttack (February 9) and Ahmedabad (February 12).
Team Preparations
Both squads have commenced their preparations with scheduled training sessions. England is set for an afternoon practice session on January 19, while Team India will take to the field in the evening. These sessions are crucial as both teams aim to fine-tune their strategies and acclimate to the local conditions ahead of the series opener.
Squad Announcements
India’s squad sees the return of veteran fast bowler Mohammed Shami, who has been sidelined due to injury. The T20I squad will be led by Suryakumar Yadav, with Axar Patel serving as vice-captain. The ODI squad features Rohit Sharma as captain and Shubman Gill as vice-captain.
England’s squad includes the return of Joe Root to the ODI lineup, providing a boost to their batting depth. Notably, Ben Stokes has not been included in the squad due to an ongoing hamstring injury. The team will be led by captain Jos Buttler, with key players such as Jofra Archer and Mark Wood bolstering the bowling attack.
Significance of the Series
This series serves as a critical preparatory platform for both teams ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy, scheduled to commence in February 2025. The matches will provide an opportunity for players to fine-tune their skills and for team management to assess combinations and strategies in competitive conditions.
Broadcast Information
Cricket enthusiasts can catch the live action of the India vs. England series on TNT Sports. For viewers in the UK, play is scheduled to begin at various times throughout the day and night. Specific details regarding match timings and broadcast schedules are available on the official TNT Sports platform.
As the cricketing world turns its attention to this high-profile series, fans eagerly await a display of competitive cricket between two formidable sides, setting the stage for an exciting start to the cricketing calendar in 2025.