Hardik Pandya to lead Team India for first T20 against England

Mumbai:  It is understood that the decisive fifth Test between England and India will begin on July 1 in Birmingham. After the Test, the two teams will play three T20s and three ODIs. The BCCI has not yet selected the Indian team for the T20 and ODI series.

All the Indian senior players are likely to return to the squad for this limited-over series. For the series against South Africa and Ireland, senior players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jaspreet Bumra and Shami are given rest. The first T20 between the two teams will be played in Southampton on July 7.

However, the Test will start on July 1 and will end on July 5. There is only one day left to prepare for the first T20. It seems that the BCCI is planning to play the Indian team, which played against Ireland in the first T20 against England in this series. Top players taking part in Test matches will be rested for three days and will be brought into the squad for the second T20 on July 9.

"All the star players will be in the team from the second T20. They need some rest. Most of the players in the Indian squad, who played for the Ireland series, will remain until the end of the T20 series,"a BCCI official said. India, led by Hardik Pandya, swept the T20 series against Ireland 2-0. Hence, Pandey is also likely to lead the first T20I against England.