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England`s cricket team arrives in Kolkata for a T20I series against India, crucial for the Champions Trophy preparation.

England`s cricket team has landed in Kolkata, India, gearing up for their T20I series against India, which kicks off on January 22. This series consists of five T20 matches and three ODIs, serving as a vital preparation for the upcoming Champions Trophy set to commence on February 19 in Pakistan and Dubai.

All-rounder Liam Livingstone was the first to arrive, coming directly from South Africa, while the rest of the squad, led by captain Jos Buttler, joined later after training in Dubai. Indian players, including promising talents Nitish Kumar Reddy and Rinku Singh, have also arrived, with captain Suryakumar Yadav checking in subsequently. Notably, pacer Mohammed Shami and all-rounder Hardik Pandya are making their international comebacks after over 14 months away from the game.

Both teams are scheduled for three training sessions prior to the opening T20I, with England set for an afternoon practice on Sunday, followed by Team India in the evening. The series will shift to Chennai for the second T20I on January 25 and conclude in Mumbai on February 2, with ODIs taking place in Nagpur, Cuttack, and Ahmedabad.

In a significant blow to England, Test captain Ben Stokes has been ruled out of the Champions Trophy and the preceding white-ball tour of India due to a hamstring injury that required surgery. Meanwhile, the ICC is considering a two-tier Test system in collaboration with the cricket boards of India, Australia, and England to enhance series between these major cricketing nations.

In recent Test action, New Zealand triumphed over England by 423 runs in the third Test, marking a memorable retirement for Tim Southee.

For more details on the matches, visit cricket and cricket.

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