England have unveiled their squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, making a series of bold selection calls headlined by the omission of Jamie Smith and a fitness gamble on fast bowler Jofra Archer.
Ashes Form Seals Smith's Fate
The most notable absentee is wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith, who has been left out following a challenging Ashes series in Australia. His exclusion comes despite a spectacular 60 from just 26 balls in his last T20 international against the West Indies in June. However, a difficult Test series where he averaged only 19.85 with the bat and faced criticism behind the stumps appears to have been decisive. Smith was also rested from recent white-ball fixtures due to a heavy workload.
Archer Risk & Tongue's Rapid Rise
In a calculated risk, the selectors have included pace spearhead Jofra Archer, who is currently recovering from a left side strain sustained during the Ashes. The injury is projected to sideline him for three to six weeks, placing him on a tight schedule to be fit for England's opening World Cup group game on 8 February. Fast bowler Brydon Carse will travel as cover for the preceding tour of Sri Lanka.
Conversely, Josh Tongue has received a remarkable uncapped call-up to the T20 squad. Despite never having played white-ball cricket for England, his impressive performances in the Ashes Tests at Adelaide and Melbourne have propelled him into contention. His case was further strengthened by being the top wicket-taker in last season's Hundred, taking 14 wickets in six games with a stellar strike-rate of a wicket every 12.5 balls.
Brook to Lead Familiar Core
Harry Brook will captain England in his first World Cup campaign, leading a squad that retains a familiar core. Ben Duckett keeps his place despite a taxing Ashes tour, with management valuing his ability against spin on sub-continent pitches. The experienced group includes Jos Buttler, Phil Salt, Adil Rashid, and Sam Curran.
Test opener Zak Crawley is included only in the 50-over squad for the Sri Lanka tour, despite not having played a List A match since December 2023. The full T20 squad also features Rehan Ahmed, Liam Dawson, Luke Wood, Jamie Overton, and Tom Banton, with Kent's Jordan Cox understood to be the first batting reserve.
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 rebuild momentum after the recent Ashes defeat.
