Brendon McCullum shakes up top order with debut for England’s first T20 against Sri Lanka

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Aneurin Donald will get the chance to unleash his “raw power” on the international stage after being handed his England debut in the first T20 against Sri Lanka.

The 29-year-old will make his bow at the Utilita Bowl on Tuesday, partnering Jos Buttler at the top of the order as a reward for some blistering form in domestic cricket.

The Derbyshire batter, who started out at Glamorgan and becomes their first homegrown international since 2005 Ashes hero Simon Jones, has long been one of the most destructive hitters and was the top six hitter in this year’s Vitality Blast with 37.

He had to wait for injuries to Phil Salt and Jacob Bethell to earn his chance but finally has a platform to impress.

Aneurin Donald has been in fine form in domestic cricket (Reuters)

“Those guys have been brilliant cricketers for a while and won’t be easy to replace, but we have some good depth building,” said head coach Brendon McCullum.

“Aneurin is going to open the batting with Jos, which is very exciting. He is a cricketer who has been on our radar for a long time.

“From his performances with Derby and also in The Hundred, he’s got a game where he can go from ball one, which is probably quite similar to Salty.

“He’s got raw power. He’s got an incredible amount of talent and I’m looking forward to seeing how he goes on the big stage. It’s great to be able to see him take that step up.”

England’s top six will also include captain Harry Brook, Tom Banton, Jordan Cox and Will Jacks.

Jamie Overton, Sonny Baker and Josh Tongue will serve as the seam attack, with Jofra Archer rested, while Liam Dawson and Adil Rashid are inked in as the first-choice spinners.

On Archer, McCullum explained: “We have given Jof this game off. He’s had a big workload.

“We will probably look to give Tonguey the next game off, because he’s also had a big workload. We are trying to be smart around player management. Appreciative they have had a fair schedule, while trying to make sure we have our best team out there.”

For more: Elrisala website and for social networking, you can follow us on Facebook
Source of information and images “independent”“