English cricket enters the new year with confidence, momentum and no shortage of talking points. A productive tour of Sri Lanka earlier in the year laid strong foundations, while the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup has already delivered drama and reassurance in equal measure. With a packed summer of cricket ahead, England look well placed to continue building across formats.

England’s Tour of Sri Lanka: A Deep Dive

England’s white-ball tour of Sri Lanka in January and February proved to be far more than a routine overseas series. Taking place just weeks before the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, the tour offered a vital opportunity to fine-tune combinations, test leadership, and adapt to challenging sub-continental conditions. Across three ODIs and three T20 Internationals, England emerged with both series victories and, perhaps more importantly, renewed belief.

ODI Series: Resilience Under Pressure

The ODI series opened with a reminder of how unforgiving conditions in Sri Lanka can be. England fell narrowly short in the first match after being set a competitive chase, with Sri Lanka’s spinners applying relentless pressure through the middle overs. While the defeat exposed areas for improvement, it also set the tone for a strong response.

That response arrived emphatically in the second ODI. England showed greater discipline with the ball before chasing calmly, led by a composed and authoritative innings from Joe Root. His control against spin steadied the innings and allowed England to level the series with a five-wicket win.

The deciding third ODI showcased England at their best. A dominant batting performance, highlighted by Harry Brook’s explosive unbeaten century, saw England chase with confidence and intent. The victory sealed a 2–1 series win, underlining England’s growing ability to adapt their white-ball approach away from home. Root finished the series as England’s leading run-scorer, while the bowling attack, led by Adil Rashid, consistently applied pressure in crucial moments.

T20 Series: Ruthless and Clinical

If the ODI series demonstrated resilience, the T20s showcased England’s cutting edge. The three-match T20I series was controlled from start to finish, ending in a 3–0 clean sweep that provided the perfect springboard into the World Cup.

England set the tone in the opening T20I with disciplined bowling and sharp fielding, restricting Sri Lanka before defending their total in a rain-affected contest. Sam Curran was outstanding throughout the series, delivering key breakthroughs and contributing valuable runs down the order.

The second and third matches further highlighted England’s depth and tactical clarity. Even when posting modest totals, England’s bowlers, particularly the spinners, executed plans superbly. In the final match, Sri Lanka were bundled out cheaply as England defended just 129, completing a comprehensive whitewash. 

ICC Men’s T20 World Cup: England Up and Running

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup got underway in early February, with England opening their campaign against Nepal. What looked straightforward on paper quickly turned into one of the most gripping matches of the tournament so far.

England posted a competitive total thanks to strong middle-order contributions, but Nepal responded fearlessly, pushing the contest deep into the final over. Under pressure, England held their nerve to secure a dramatic four-run victory, collecting two vital points and a timely reminder of the fine margins at World Cup level.

What’s Next: England’s Summer of Cricket

With the World Cup now underway and confidence building, attention will soon turn to England’s home summer. A packed schedule of international fixtures awaits, offering fans the chance to see England across formats on home soil.

At Engage Hospitality, we provide access to a broad portfolio of England cricket fixtures, pairing world-class cricket with premium hospitality at some of the UK’s most iconic venues. From five-day Test matches and One Day Internationals to the electric atmosphere of T20 cricket, our experiences are designed to enhance every matchday, whether you’re hosting clients, rewarding your team or enjoying the game in style.

Guests benefit from premium seating, exclusive hospitality spaces, outstanding food and drink, and a seamless journey from arrival through to the final over. With England fixtures consistently in high demand, booking hospitality early remains the best way to secure access to the standout matches of the season.

England v New Zealand Test series 

Lord’s – Thursday 4th to Monday 8th June, 2026 

Kia Oval – Wednesday 17th to Sunday 21st June, 2026 

Trent Bridge – Thursday 25th to Monday 29th June, 2026 

England v India T20 series 

Banks Homes Riverside – Wednesday 1st July, 2026 

Emirates Old Trafford  – Saturday 4th July, 2026 

Trent Bridge – Tuesday 7th July, 2026 

Bristol County Ground – Thursday 9th July, 2026 

Utilita Bowl – Saturday 11th July, 2026 

England v India ODI series 

Edgbaston – Tuesday 14th July, 2026 

Sophia Gardens – Thursday 16th July, 2026 

Lord’s – Sunday 19th July, 2026 

England v Pakistan Test series 

Headingley – Wednesday 19th to Sunday 23rd August, 2026 

Lord’s – Thursday 27th to Monday 31st August, 2026 

Edgbaston – Wednesday 9th to Sunday 13th September, 2026 

England v Sri Lanka T20 series 

Utilita Bowl – Tuesday 15th September, 2026 

Sophia Gardens – Thursday 17th September, 2026 

Emirates Old Trafford – Saturday 19th September, 2026 

England v Sri Lanka ODI series 

Banks Homes Riverside – Tuesday 22nd September, 2026 

Headingley – Thursday 24th September, 2026 

Kia Oval – Sunday 27th September, 2026 

If you’re looking to experience the Ashes in 2027, enquire now and we’ll be in touch with further details in due course.