Carse replaces Atkinson for second T20 in India

For the second T20 match against India on Saturday in Chennai, England have Brydon Carse in place of Gus Atkinson.

Atkinson took heavy punishment in England’s seven-wicket hammering in the series opener on Wednesday, conceding 38 runs from his two overs.

In the event that Jacob Bethell’s illness prevents him from making his T20 international debut, wicketkeeper Jamie Smith is on standby.

All-rounder Bethell, 21, did not take part in training on Friday.

After making his England debut against Pakistan in October, Carse has had a successful winter playing for the Test team. The 29-year-old has played four previous T20 internationals.

After being severely defeated in Brendon McCullum’s first game as head coach of the white-ball teams in Kolkata, England are looking to reclaim the series.

Bowled out for 132, England’s historical weakness against spin was again exposed, as India’s trio of Varun Chakravarthy, Axar Patel and Ravi Bishnoi shared a combined 5-67 from 12 overs.

England are “pretty chilled” about the outcome of the opener, according to Batter and vice-captain Harry Brook, who also claimed the smog in Kolkata made it difficult to read the home bowlers.

“With the smog the other night, it was a lot harder to pick”, said Brook. “Hopefully the ball can be seen a little bit clearer here and in a clearer atmosphere.”

The hardest aspect of T20 cricket is dealing with spin, especially because I constantly try to smack it in the end, he said.