Destructive batter Donald set for England debut T20 opener v Sri Lanka

Women’s Tennis / 13 September 2026 Rybakina dethrones Sabalenka with her first US Open crown 13 September 2026 Men’s Football / 13 September 2026 Liverpool's stuttering start continues with goalless Fulham draw 13 September 2026 Men’s Football / 13 September 2026 Ipswich net late winner against 10-man Palace 13 September 2026 Men’s Football / 13 September 2026 West Ham thrash Wrexham to extend winning run 13 September 2026 ANEURIN DONALD will get the chance to unleash his “raw power” on the international stage after being handed his England debut in the first T20 against Sri Lanka.

The 29-year-old will make his bow at the Rose Bowl on Tuesday, partnering Jos Buttler at the top of the order as a reward for some blistering form in domestic cricket.

The Derbyshire batter, who started out at Glamorgan and becomes their first homegrown international since 2005 Ashes hero Simon Jones, has long been one of the most destructive hitters and was the top six hitter in this year’s Vitality Blast with 37.

“Those guys have been brilliant cricketers for a while and won’t be easy to replace, but we have some good depth building,” said head coach Brendon McCullum.

“Aneurin is going to open the batting with Jos, which is very exciting. He is a cricketer who has been on our radar for a long time.

“From his performances with Derby and also in The Hundred, he’s got a game where he can go from ball one, which is probably quite similar to Salty.

“He’s got raw power. He’s got an incredible amount of talent and I’m looking forward to seeing how he goes on the big stage. It’s great to be able to see him take that step up.”