Somerset’s dynamic batter Tom Banton has been named in England’s T20 World Cup squad, a notable inclusion over wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith, who has been omitted. Despite Smith’s strong T20 performance in June where he scored 60 from 26 balls against the West Indies, recent struggles with form and glovework during the Ashes may have influenced selectors’ decision to leave him out.
In contrast, fast bowler Josh Tongue, uncapped at white-ball international level, earned his spot after impressive displays in domestic competitions, including finishing as the leading wicket-taker in last season’s Hundred with 14 wickets in six matches. Tongue boasts a remarkable T20 strike rate of a wicket every 12.5 balls, showing promise ahead of the tournament.
Injured all-rounder Jofra Archer is included in the 16-man squad, pending his recovery from a left side strain sustained during the Ashes. Archer’s comeback is closely monitored, with Brydon Carse set to act as backup and traveling alongside England’s ODI and T20 squads on the bilateral Sri Lanka tour prior to the World Cup.
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The squad also includes Test opener Zak Crawley for the ODI leg against Sri Lanka, despite limited recent List A experience. Ben Duckett returns to the setup after a challenging Ashes campaign and off-field scrutiny, with management confident in his readiness to contribute, particularly on spin-friendly subcontinental pitches.
Harry Brook will captain the squad in his first World Cup leadership role, supported by key players including Jos Buttler, Phil Salt, Jacob Bethell, Adil Rashid, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, and Luke Wood. Other selections include Jamie Overton, Rehan Ahmed, and Tom Banton. Kent’s Jordan Cox narrowly missed the cut and will serve as first reserve.
England’s Group C opponents for the T20 World Cup are Bangladesh, West Indies, Italy, and Nepal. With new management eager to build momentum following recent Ashes setbacks, the squad looks to perform strongly on the global stage.
England T20 World Cup Squad: H. Brook (c), R. Ahmed, J. Archer (WC only), T. Banton, J. Bethell, J. Buttler, B. Carse (SL only), S. Curran, L. Dawson, B. Duckett, W. Jacks, J. Overton, A. Rashid, P. Salt, J. Tongue, L. Wood.
England ODI Squad v Sri Lanka: H. Brook (c), R. Ahmed, T. Banton, J. Bethell, J. Buttler, B. Carse, Z. Crawley, S. Curran, L. Dawson, B. Duckett, W. Jacks, J. Overton, A. Rashid, J. Root, L. Wood.