The left-hander is the No. 1 batsman in current T20 rankings. The Irish-born Englishman who is known to play innovative strokes cemented his place in the England squad after the retirement of Paul Collingwood.

The 26-year-old has a handy average (38) in T20 international matches. Of late, there has been a decline in his form and a Pietersen-less England side would want the left-hander to come with all guns blazing in order to successfully defend their title.