Harry Brook was trolled for saying that the Kolkata smog was one of the biggest reasons why England failed to pick India's Varun Chakarvarthy from his hand.

England's Harry Brook believes Kolkata's smog was partly responsible for his side's poor batting display against spinners in the series-opening T20I against India.

India ride on Abhishek Sharma's 34-ball 79 and a clinical display from bowlers as the hosts beat England by 7 wickets in the first T20I. India take 1-0 lead in the five-match series.

Two fearless batting line-ups with the exuberance of youth and some experienced heads in the mix, with the coaches, who want their players to play entertaining and watchable cricket, the upcoming five-match T20 series between India and England,

Chakravarthy has been in fine form of late. He finished as the joint second-highest wicket-taker of the Vijay Hazare Trophy this month, with Karnataka's V Koushik. Playing for Tamil Nadu, Chakravarthy took 18 wickets in just six games.

England were beaten by India in the semi-final of last year's T20 World Cup First T20, Kolkata England 132 (20 overs): Buttler 68 (44); Chakravarthy 3-23 India 133-3 (12.5 overs): Abhishek 79 (34 ...

India begins their T20I series against England in Kolkata, with clear weather expected and England naming Gus Atkinson in their playing XI for a fresh start under coach Brendon McCullum.

Brydon Carse will replace Gus Atkinson for England's second T20 International against India on Saturday while Jamie Smith has also been added to the squad.

Tilak Varma played one of the best innings of his life as the left-hander remained unbeaten on 72 off 55 balls to take India home with four balls to spare and two wickets in hand. India take 2-0 lead in the five-match series.

After struggling against spin in Kolkata, England face another stern test in Chennai, known for its spin-friendly conditions. India are sweating over the fitness of opener Abhishek Sharma, who twisted his ankle during training on Friday.

A bruised England side will look to level the five-match series when it takes on India in the second T20I at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Saturday.