England all-time best T20 XI

England will play their 100th T20 international against New Zealand on Sunday.

Here, Press Association Sport’s Rory Dollard picks England’s best composite XI since they first took part in the format in 2005.

1 – Alex Hales

His merciless 116 not out against Sri Lanka in the 2014 World T20 remains England’s only T20 century. Hales also has scores of 99 and 94 on his CV, evidence of a happy knack of going big once well set.

2 – Kevin Pietersen

Pietersen was truly ahead of his time with his appetite, enthusiasm and aptitude for T20 cricket and his latter career was globetrotting exploits in the short form. Pietersen only opened three times at international level but is bumped up ahead of Michael Lumb and Craig Kieswetter, who reinvented England’s approach to the powerplay overs, in the interests of team balance.

3 – Joe Root

Rested too often for his own liking due to the selectors’ attempts to keep their prized three-format asset in peak condition. Root has nevertheless proven his pedigree in 20-over cricket, most notably when his fine 83 anchored England’s record chase of 230 against South Africa.

4 – Eoin Morgan

England’s record cap holder, run-scorer, six-hitter and a premier white-ball tactician. The Irishman has been a cornerstone of the T20 team for nine of its 13 years. At his best he deployed a thrilling variety of strokes and was an ice-cold chaser.

5 – Jos Buttler (wkt)

One of the most inventive batsmen in the history of limited-overs cricket and a neat wicketkeeper to boot. Buttler has scored over a thousand runs at a strike rate of 134.89 and was one of the first players to hit the ball 360 degrees from almost any delivery.

6 – Ben Stokes

The millions of dollars lavished on Stokes in successive IPL auctions are testament to his appeal, but relatively modest statistics suggest his best days in England colours are yet to come. His ability to be a punisher at number six, an authentic pace option and a gun fielder make him irresistible in any selection meeting.

7 – Paul Collingwood (c)

The wily all-rounder leads the fantasy XI, just as he led England to their only piece of major white-ball silverware at the 2010 World T20 in Barbados. A born competitor, a reliable contributor with the bat and a handy pace-off seam option on two-paced pitches. Edges Ravi Bopara for this role.

8 – Chris Jordan

The Bajan bowler did the hard yards as England reached the final of the World T20 in India in 2016, bowling powerplay and death overs with heart and accuracy. Owner of a decent yorker, author of countless brilliant catches and capable of contributing with the bat.

9 – Stuart Broad

Based purely on standout moments or anecdotal evidence, the case against Broad is strong – he was clubbed for six sixes in an over by Yuvraj Singh in 2007, offered up the overthrow which handed Holland a stunning victory at Lord’s two years later and captained the team to a group-stage exit in Bangladesh in 2014. But he is also the eighth most prolific wicket-taker in all T20Is, England’s number one and boasts entirely credible strike-rate, economy and average statistics.

10 – Graeme Swann

England’s best spin bowler of the T20 era, he swept up 51 wickets in 39 matches as well going at a positively miserly 6.36 runs an over. Any spinner who can contain batsmen and threaten as well is gold dust and Swann was better at both than anyone.

11 – Ryan Sidebottom

Coaches all over the world like to have a left-arm option in their short-form team wherever possible and Sidebottom outflanks the likes of David Willey, Harry Gurney, Reece Topley and Tymal Mills. Experienced and in full control of his skills, he was vital in the T20 success eight years ago.

12th man – Luke Wright

Somehow under-used and under-valued by his country despite earning 51 caps. Went on to become a highly sought-after player on the domestic circuit and skilled in all facets.