England have named a provisional 15-man squad for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, with Jofra Archer being included in the squad despite his absence from the final two Ashes Tests. The tournament is scheduled to take place across India and Sri Lanka in February and March.
The fast bowler is continuing his recovery from a side strain and has not featured in the past two Ashes Tests, but selectors have shown confidence in his match-winning ability. Jamie Smith has been left out of both the World Cup squad and the preceding tour of Sri Lanka. The wicketkeeper-batter has endured a challenging Ashes series.
One of the most eye-catching selections is Josh Tongue, who earns a place in the squad despite never having played a white-ball international for England. He makes the cut on the back of breathtaking spell in the Ashes. Notably, England will play three ODIs and three T20s in Sri Lanka ahead of the T20I World Cup.
England provisional squad for T20 World Cup and T20I series vs Sri Lanka: Harry Brook (captain), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer* (T20 World Cup only), Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, Brydon Carse* (Sri Lanka tour only), Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Josh Tongue, Luke Wood
England ODI squad: Harry Brook (captain), Rehan Ahmed, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Luke Wood