England have unveiled their squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka and India, making the bold decision to drop wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith while selecting the injured Jofra Archer and uncapped fast bowler Josh Tongue.
Squad Selection Surprises and Omissions
The most notable exclusion is that of Jamie Smith, whose difficult Ashes series in Australia, where he averaged just 19.85 with the bat, appears to have cost him his place. This comes despite a blistering 60 from 26 balls in his last T20 international against the West Indies in June. In contrast, Josh Tongue’s stock has risen dramatically following impressive performances in the Ashes warm-ups in Adelaide and Melbourne. Although yet to play white-ball cricket for England, his record as the top wicket-taker in last season’s Hundred, with 14 scalps in six games, and a formidable T20 strike-rate of a wicket every 12.5 balls, has earned him a maiden call-up.
In a major show of faith, the selectors have also included Jofra Archer, who is currently recovering from a left side strain sustained during the Ashes. The pace bowler is expected to be sidelined for three to six weeks, putting him on a tight timeline to be fit for England’s first World Cup group game on February 8. Brydon Carse will travel as part of the squads for the preceding tour of Sri Lanka, acting as direct cover should Archer suffer any setbacks.
Tournament Context and Other Squad News
The squad will be captained by Harry Brook, who will lead a familiar core of players including Jos Buttler, Phil Salt, and Adil Rashid. Ben Duckett retains his place despite a challenging Ashes tour, with the management valuing his ability against spin on sub-continental pitches. Test opener Zak Crawley finds a spot in the ODI squad for Sri Lanka, despite not playing List A cricket since December 2023.
The full 16-man T20 World Cup squad is as follows:
- H Brook (c), 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.
England have been drawn in Group C alongside Bangladesh, West Indies, Italy, and Nepal. Managing director Rob Key and head coach Brendon McCullum will be hoping for a strong tournament performance to stabilise their positions following the Ashes defeat in Australia.
