England have announced their starting eleven for the first T20I against Sri Lanka, with batter Aneurin Donald set to make his debut. The three-match T20I series between the two teams is scheduled to begin on September 15 in Southampton. With several seniors sidelined and Jofra Archer out, England’s lineup will feature some younger players. The T20I series will be followed by a three-match ODI series, bringing the international English season to a close.
Donald replaces Phil Salt in the XI, as Salt is out with a minor quadriceps injury. Salt is one of three players sidelined due to fitness issues, with Jacob Bethell ruled out because of a knee injury and Sam Curran missing due to a groin problem. Jofra Archer has been rested following his participation in the three-Test series against Pakistan, while Josh Tongue is selected even though he also played all three matches.
Born in Swansea, Glamorgan, on December 20, 1996, Aneurin Donald is recognised for his aggressive batting in the top order. In 2018, he moved from his home county, Glamorgan, to Hampshire in pursuit of his ambition to play international cricket. After a few performances, he finally made it to the English side and is set to open the batting alongside Jos Buttler.
He has shared brilliant numbers in domestic cricket, especially in T20s. In 107 innings, he has amassed 2,454 runs at an exceptional strike rate of 172.21. In first-class cricket as well, he has been consistently effective in the middle order, scoring 22 fifties and 3 centuries in 129 innings.
He has moved through several counties during his career. At 21, Donald left Glamorgan, later moved to Hampshire, and joined Derbyshire in 2023. His selection holds special importance for the East Midlands county. Since James Harris was selected for an England T20I series against New Zealand in 2013, no academy graduate from Derbyshire has been named in an England squad. Looking further back, Simon Jones in 2005 was the last Derbyshire-born player to earn an England cap, highlighting just how exceptional this achievement is for the club.
England’s first T20I match since Harry Brook’s team beat India 4-0 in July is scheduled for Tuesday. That series result propelled England to the top of the ICC T20I rankings, a spot India had occupied since February 2022. Brook remains captain as England aim to hold their position at home. The series against Sri Lanka also offers McCullum an opportunity to assess new batting options at the top of the order, with Donald’s debut marking the most important selection decision ahead of the opening match.
England XI for 1st T20I vs Sri Lanka:
Aneurin Donald, Jos Buttler ( wk), Harry Brook ( c), Tom Banton, Jordan Cox, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson, Adil Rashid, Josh Tongue, Sonny Baker
