KOLKATA: England won the toss and elected to bat against Italy in their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Group C match at Eden Gardens on Monday.
The match is a key one for Harry Brook’s side, who have had a mixed tournament but moved into a strong position after back-to-back wins over Nepal and Scotland. A victory today would significantly strengthen England’s push for a Super Eights place, while Italy — playing their first ICC senior global event — will be looking to keep their qualification hopes alive with a major upset.
England are expected to stick with the same combination that has steadied their campaign in recent games, with the focus again on getting more from the opening pair of Phil Salt and Jos Buttler. The likely XI is: Salt, Buttler (wk), Bethell, Banton, Brook (c), Curran, Jacks, Dawson, Overton, Archer, Rashid.
Italy’s build-up has included a fitness watch on captain Wayne Madsen, who has been managing a shoulder issue, with Marcus Campopiano potentially making way if Madsen is cleared to play. Italy’s probable XI: Anthony Mosca, Justin Mosca, JJ Smuts, Harry Manenti (c), Ben Manenti, Campopiano/Madsen, Grant Stewart, Gian Meade (wk), Jaspreet Singh, Crishan Kalugamage, Ali Hasan.
With afternoon starts at Eden Gardens producing both defendable and chaseable totals, England’s decision to bat first suggests confidence in setting a score and applying scoreboard pressure.
