England has confirmed its 16-man squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka and India, with a notable recall for fast bowler Jofra Archer and the omission of wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith.
Archer’s inclusion comes despite a recent left side strain sustained during the Ashes, which is expected to sideline him for several weeks. Team management is optimistic he will complete his rehabilitation in time for the tournament, which begins for England on February 8. Pace bowler Brydon Carse has been named as traveling reserve for the preceding tour of Sri Lanka, ready to step in should Archer’s recovery face any setbacks.
In a contrasting move, Jamie Smith has been left out of the traveling party. While his explosive 60 from 26 balls against West Indies in June showcased his T20 potential, a challenging Ashes series in Australia, where he averaged under 20 with the bat, appears to have influenced the selectors’ decision.
The squad sees a first senior call-up for fast bowler Josh Tongue. Though uncapped in white-ball cricket for England, Tongue impressed during the Ashes and was the leading wicket-taker in last season’s Hundred competition, boasting a potent T20 strike rate.
Harry Brook will captain the side for his first World Cup campaign, leading a core of experienced players including Jos Buttler, Phil Salt, and Adil Rashid. All-rounder Sam Curran and spinner Liam Dawson are also included.
The selection panel has shown continued faith in opener Ben Duckett, valuing his proficiency against spin bowling for the subcontinental conditions, despite a demanding tour of Australia.
England will compete in Group C alongside Bangladesh, West Indies, Italy, and Nepal. The team’s performance will be closely watched following the recent Ashes defeat.
Full T20 World Cup Squad: H Brook (captain), R Ahmed, J Archer, T Banton, J Bethell, J Buttler, S Curran, L Dawson, B Duckett, W Jacks, J Overton, A Rashid, P Salt, J Tongue, L Wood. B Carse travels to Sri Lanka as reserve.