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England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), on Monday, announced their men’s T20I and ODI squads for the upcoming white-ball series against Australia. The big news is the return of skipper Jos Buttler, fully recovered from his calf injury, and pace spearhead Jofra Archer, who has managed his workload during The Hundred and is now set to feature in his first ODI since March 2023.
Test players will only participate in ODI series
Several players currently involved in England’s ongoing Test series against Sri Lanka—Harry Brook, Matthew Potts, Gus Atkinson, and Jamie Smith—will be available only for the ODI series. This is due to the proximity of the T20I matches to the conclusion of the Test series.
Injury troubles and rest for key players
England faces injury setbacks with Mark Wood, who is recovering from a thigh injury sustained in the first Test against Sri Lanka, and Ben Stokes, who remains sidelined with a hamstring issue. Additionally, Joe Root has been given a break from the ODI squad, allowing him some rest ahead of future commitments.
Unexpected exclusions raise eyebrows
England’s decision to omit Jonny Bairstow, Moeen Ali, and Chris Jordan from the squad has caused a stir among fans and analysts alike. Their absence, however, creates opportunities for new faces, as five uncapped players—Jordan Cox, Jacob Bethell, Dan Mousley, Josh Hull, and John Turner—have been included in the T20I squad.
Also READ: Unfair ball change controversy mars England vs Sri Lanka Test; Angelo Mathews expresses frustration
Rising talents join the squad
These uncapped players have shown promise across various domestic competitions. Cox has been a standout performer in the T20 Blast and The Hundred, while Hull’s left-arm pace offers a unique dimension to the bowling attack. Turner has caught the eye with his raw pace, and both Bethell and Mousley bring a blend of all-round skills that align with England’s strategy of picking versatile cricketers in limited-overs formats.
England T20I squad for Australia:
Jos Buttler (c), Jofra Archer, Jacob Bethell, Brydon Carse, Jordan Cox, Sam Curran, Josh Hull, Will Jacks, Liam Livingstone, Saqib Mahmood, Dan Mousley, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Reece Topley, John Turner
England ODI squad for Australia:
Jos Buttler(c), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Josh Hull, Will Jacks, Matthew Potts, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Jamie Smith, Reece Topley, John Turner
