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England National Cricket Team captain Harry Brook has confirmed that star fast bowlers Jofra Archer and Josh Tongue will miss the five-match T20I series opener against the India National Cricket Team on Wednesday, July 1, in Durham.
Both Jofra Archer and Josh Tongue were part of the recently concluded third and final test between England and New Zealand at Trent Bridge. The hosts have suffered a crushing 160-run defeat to lose the three-match Test series to the Kiwis 2-1 on June 29.
Jofra Archer and Josh Tongue to miss 1st England vs India T20I
After the Test series, England team management decided to rest the fast bowling duo Archer and Tongue to manage their workload carefully before the busy schedule; as a result, they will miss the first T20I match against India in Durham. Recently, Jofra Archer shares heartfelt message after Ben Stokes' retirement, calls himself 'lucky'.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, England captain Harry Brook revealed that both Jofra Archer and Josh Tongue have been rested for the five-match T20I series opener against India in Durham. He also confirmed the playing XI for the first game on Wednesday.
Brook said: "No Jofra Archer & Josh Tongue for Durham T20." Archer missed the first Test due to the same workload management as the Test started right after the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. He featured for Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the tournament and bowled well, picking up 25 wickets and finishing as the franchise's leading wicket-taker.
England name Playing XI for 1st T20I vs India
England went with a balanced playing XI for the first T20I against India, picking five specialist batters, three all-rounders and three specialist bowlers. The top order might see the return of Phil Salt, joining the experienced Jos Buttler at the top.
The two had been in good form during the IPL. However, Salt was ruled out after picking up an injury for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). The all-rounders like Sam Curran, Will Jacks, and Liam Dawson might add some balance with their all-round skills.
England vs India T20I Series Schedule:
July 1: First T20I at Chester-le-Street, Durham
July 4: Second T20I at Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester
7 July 7: Third T20I at Trent Bridge, Nottingham
July 9: Fourth T20I at Seat Unique Stadium, Bristol
July 11: - Fifth T20I at Utilita Bowl, Southampton
Jofra Archer returns with bang, Josh Tongue struggles against New Zealand
Meanwhile, Archer made a stunning return and won the Player of the Series award, while Tongue struggled as New Zealand sealed a historic Test series 2-1 in England. Archer missed the opening Test at Lord's but made an immediate impact after returning.
In the second Test at The Kia Oval, the fiery fast bowler claimed five wickets, taking 2/61 in the first innings and 3/62 in the second. Archer carried his form into the final Test at Trent Bridge, where he picked up 2/75 in the first innings and 4/53 in the second.
He finished the home series with 11 wickets in just two matches. On the other hand, Tongue played all three Tests. He shone brightly at Lord's with 5 wickets (3/40 and 2/48) and helped England win the first Test by 115 runs. However, he managed only 3 wickets in the second Test (1/97 and 2/64) and failed to take a single wicket in the final Test. He finished the series with 8 wickets.
