England have made two alterations to their lineup for the second T20I against India at Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester on Saturday. Fast bowler Jofra Archer returns to the team, and Josh Tongue is poised to make his T20I debut. They replace Saqib Mahmood and Luke Wood, who were omitted following the rain-affected first match. Tongue, who has played Tests and ODIs for England, will earn his first T20 international cap. Archer’s inclusion bolsters the pace bowling options as the hosts aim to lead the five-match series. The playing XI is Phil Salt, Jos Buttler, Harry Brook (captain), Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Liam Dawson, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid and Josh Tongue. The opening T20I at Chester-le-Street ended without a result due to persistent rain, which halted England’s chase. India had reached 189 for seven in 20 overs before the weather intervened. Abhishek Sharma scored 59 from 24 balls, becoming the quickest Indian to reach a T20I fifty in England and the fastest batter to 100 sixes in the format. Captain Shreyas Iyer made 68 from 47 deliveries for his first half-century as T20I skipper, while Shivam Dube finished unbeaten on 42 from 21 balls. Saqib Mahmood took three wickets for England.
