England announce 15-member squad for T20 World Cup 2024

England, the reigning champions of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, have unveiled their squad for the upcoming tournament edition, stirring anticipation and excitement among cricket enthusiasts worldwide.

Return of Jofra Archer

In a significant development, Jofra Archer triumphantly returns to the English squad after a year-long hiatus from international cricket. His inclusion marks a pivotal moment for the team, adding depth and potency to their bowling arsenal.

See Also: South Africa announce T20 World Cup 2024 squad

Archer’s journey back to the national team has been fraught with challenges, with the talented pacer grappling with a series of setbacks, including stress fractures, persistent elbow issues, and an unfortunate injury from a fish tank accident. Despite these hurdles, Archer has persevered with resilience and determination, earning his rightful place in the squad.

Inclusions and Omissions in the Squad

Joining Archer in the squad is experienced all-rounder Chris Jordan, returning to the international arena after a brief absence. Jordan’s versatility and experience make him a valuable asset to the team, providing leadership and stability in pressure situations.

In the batting department, Jos Buttler, Will Jacks, Phil Salt, and Jonny Bairstow form a formidable top order capable of setting the tone for England’s innings. Their explosive batting prowess and ability to dominate opposition bowlers bode well for the team’s chances in the tournament.

Harry Brook, Liam Livingstone, and Sam Curran offer firepower and dynamism in the lower order and add depth to the batting lineup. Their ability to accelerate the run rate and finish innings with a flourish gives England crucial momentum in the latter stages of matches.

In the spin department, the onus falls on Adil Rashid to lead the charge, supported by the promising talent of Tom Hartley. Rashid’s guile and experience make him a potent threat on spinning tracks, while Hartley’s emergence adds variety and unpredictability to England’s bowling options.

England squad: Jos Buttler (c), Moeen Ali, Jofra Archer, Jonathan Bairstow, Harry Brook, Sam Curran, Ben Duckett, Tom Hartley, Will Jacks, Chris Jordan, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Reece Topley, Mark Wood

Pre-Tournament Preparations

The same squad selected for the T20 World Cup will also feature in the upcoming T20I series against Pakistan, allowing players to acclimate to match conditions and fine-tune their skills ahead of the tournament.

Squad Flexibility Until 25th May

Teams have until 25th May to make any alterations to their squad, after which changes will require approval from the ICC’s Event Technical Committee. This window allows teams to assess player form and fitness before making final decisions.

Group Stage Overview

England will embark on their journey to the Caribbean on 31st May, gearing up for their first match against Scotland in Barbados on 4th June. Placed in Group B alongside Australia, Namibia, Scotland, and Oman, England faces a challenging path to the knockout stages but will be buoyed by their championship-winning pedigree.