England opener to make T20I debut against Sri Lanka
International Cricket CouncilNews article
Uncapped batter Aneurin Donald will join Jos Buttler to open the innings for England in the first T20I against Sri Lanka, white-ball head coach Brendon McCullum confirmed ahead of the September 15 clash.
"Aneurin will open the batting with Jos, which is very exciting. He is a cricketer that has been on our radar for quite some time," McCullum said.
England XI for first T20I against Sri Lanka: Harry Brook (c), Aneurin Donald, Jos Buttler, Tom Banton, Jordan Cox, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson, Josh Tongue, Sonny Baker, Adil Rashid
At 29, Donald becomes the oldest batter to play his maiden T20I for England, since David Malan in 2017.
Donald earned his maiden T20I call-up replacing Phil Salt, who is still recovering from injury.
"He has a game where he can go from ball one, which is probably quite similar to Salty. He has got raw power and an incredible amount of talent.
"I am looking forward to seeing how he goes on the big stage. I am sure him and Jos will be a nice combination," McCullum added.
Having scored at a strike rate of over 200 in all five of his innings in The Hundred, Donald ranks second for the highest T20 strike rates since 2024 (minimum 25 innings or 1000 runs scored).
In 112 T20s, the opener has amassed 2454 runs at a staggering strike rate of 172.21, including 18 half-centuries.
Jofra Archer has been rested for the opening tussle, while Jamie Overton makes a comeback from injury.
Series Schedule:
1st T20I - 15 September, Southampton
2nd T20I - 17 September, Cardiff
3rd T20I - 19 September, Manchester
1st ODI - 22 September, Chester-le-Street
2nd ODI - 24 September, Leeds
3rd ODI - 27 September, The Oval
Based on International Cricket Council reporting