England Playing XI vs Italy- T20 World Cup 2026, Match 29 - Phil Salt Out?

England playing XI Vs Italy. [Source - AFP Photos]

England are set to take on Italy in Match 29 of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026 on Monday, February 16. The thrilling contest will take place at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, with the match scheduled to start at 3 PM IST.

England vs Italy Preview

England face Italy at Eden Gardens, following a shaky start to their T20 World Cup campaign. After a defeat against the West Indies, they bounced back with a win over Scotland. However, their opening partnership and pace attack still need improvement. The middle order, led by Harry Brook, must step up to ensure England’s progression.

With Super 8s qualification in sight, England must sort out their top-order and ensure clinical execution in both batting and bowling. Changes may be on the cards, especially for out-of-form players like Phil Salt as a complete all-round display is crucial for their progress.

Meanwhile, Italy enters this contest on the back of a historic first-ever World Cup win against Nepal in Mumbai. With England having been pushed to the brink by Nepal earlier in the tournament, and the way this World Cup has unfolded, we cannot rule Italy out completely.

England Playing XI vs Italy - Match 29, T20 World Cup 2026

Openers and top order batters: Phil Salt, Jos Buttler, Jacob Bethell

After England's dominant win over Scotland, concerns linger over the top order, as both Phil Salt and Jos Buttler failed to make big scores again. However, despite their recent struggles, England remains confident about their openers returning to form, knowing either can turn the game with one big knock.

Meanwhile, Jacob Bethell has been a reliable presence at No. 3, stabilizing the innings after the early dismissals of the openers. His calm approach has prevented a collapse, and England will continue to back the openers, especially Salt, understanding that his dangerous potential could be crucial for their progression into the Super 8s.

Middle-order and all-rounders: Tom Banton, Harry Brook, Sam Curran, Will Jacks

Tom Banton silenced his critics with a brilliant half-century under pressure in England’s crucial win against Scotland. The right-hander had a tough start to the tournament, with many questioning his place at No. 4, but his match-winning knock came at the perfect time when England needed him most, especially after both openers fell early.

Captain Harry Brook will bat at No. 5, taking on the dual role of finisher and aggressor as England looks to him for stability and firepower. The finishing duties will fall to Sam Curran at No. 6 and Will Jacks at No. 7, both capable of providing the explosive strokes required to seal victory against Italy and in the games ahead.

Bowlers: Liam Dawson, Jamie Overton, Luke Wood, Adil Rashid

Liam Dawson has been exceptional in the middle overs, using his left-arm spin to control the scoring and providing key breakthroughs. Alongside him, Adil Rashid has been ever-reliable, delivering one of his best T20 World Cup performances in the last match. Both are expected to continue playing a vital role.

With just a one-day gap after the Scotland game, Jofra Archer might be rested, making way for left-arm pacer Luke Wood to take the new ball. Jamie Overton’s hit-the-deck approach has been valuable, and his lower-order hitting skills ensure he remains a key player in the XI.

England playing XI Vs Italy- Phil Salt, Jos Buttler (wk), Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Harry Brook (c), Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Liam Dawson, Jamie Overton, Luke Wood, Adil Rashid