Why Thomas Draca is Not Playing Today in ENG vs SCO T20 World Cup 2026?

The 29th match of the T20 WC 2026 is being played between England and Italy. The match is played at the oldest cricket stadium in India, the Eden Gardens, Kolkata. These two European teams are coming off a win in this match.

The English team is coming off a comfortable win against Scotland in their last match. On the other hand, the Italian cricket team, which is making its ICC T20 World Cup debut, is coming with a dominating win against Nepal by 10 wickets. This match is going to be a really exciting battle, as both teams are in good form. Italy will face a tough challenge this time around, against one of the best cricket teams in the world.

The toss has been completed with Harry Brook winning the toss and electing to bat first. The playing XI has been announced for both teams, and there is one crucial replacement in the Italian side, which has been carried forward from the last match. Right-arm pacer Thomas Draca is not playing this match, which comes as a major change in the Italian team.

Why Thomas Draca is Not Playing Today in ENG vs SCO T20 World Cup 2026?

Draca is yet to be picked in the playing XI after the first match against Scotland. The Italian skipper, Harry Manenti, stated in the toss that they are moving forward with the winning squad and do not want to change the combination for ENG vs SCO T20 World Cup 2026, which was really effective in the last match against Nepal.

Jaspreet Singh has been preferred as Thomas Draca replacement in this important game against England. Jaspreet picked up 1-8 in 1.3 overs in the last match against Nepal. The right-arm pacer has been a key part of Italy's squad for a long time and played a key role in their qualification for the T20 World Cup 2026.

Thomas Draca's T20I Numbers

Thomas Draca has played 10 T20I matches in which he has taken 12 wickets with an economy of 7.03. His best performance came in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Europe Sub-Regional Qualifier match, where he took 3 wickets by giving just 9 runs in four overs.

His absence in the Italy's team is a major surprise. Born in Australia, Draca has an Italian heritage through his mother. He even aims to play in the IPL one day through his performances in the T20 World Cup and emulate his idol, Hardik Pandya.