In a significant shuffle for England’s white-ball cricket team, seasoned player Ollie Pope, who boasts 38 Test matches but no white-ball games for England, has been called up. The team also welcomes newcomers John Turner and Josh Tongue, both uncapped in seam bowling, for their upcoming tour in the West Indies this December.
This tour marks England’s first venture post their World Cup journey. From the World Cup squad, only six players will feature in the Caribbean for the trio of one-day internationals (ODIs). Notably, Moeen Ali, Adil Rashid, and Chris Woakes have been omitted from the ODI team but will join for the T20 matches. However, Dawid Malan, the 36-year-old leading scorer for England in the World Cup, is not included in either format.
Malan’s exclusion raises questions about England’s strategic direction following their World Cup campaign, which concluded with a face-saving win against Pakistan. Rob Key, England’s Director of Men’s Cricket, commented on Malan’s T20 form and urged him to rediscover his form from a couple of years ago when he was the world’s top-ranked player.
Key, in a statement on Sunday, emphasized his reluctance to end the white-ball careers of any players, despite calls for a fresh approach to the ageing 50-over team. He highlighted the importance of giving new talents a chance to shine and build a formidable English team.
Jos Buttler will lead both the ODI and T20 squads in the Caribbean. Players like Harry Brook, Gus Atkinson, Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone, and Brydon Carse, who were part of the World Cup squad, retain their places.
Reece Topley is set for a comeback in the T20 series following a finger injury. Ben Stokes is sidelined due to an upcoming knee surgery, and David Willey has retired from international cricket following the World Cup.
The team is already looking ahead, with key players Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root, and Mark Wood being rested for the India Test series in January rather than being dropped.
The ODI squad sees Pope, Zak Crawley, and Ben Duckett from the Test team joining forces. They are accompanied by young talents like 19-year-old Rehan Ahmed and spinner Tom Hartley. Surrey’s Will Jacks and Lancashire’s Phil Salt add a fresh dimension to the team.
The T20 series serves as a precursor to next year’s T20 World Cup defense in the Caribbean and the United States, setting a crucial stage for England’s cricketing endeavors.
ODI squad: Jos Buttler (captain – Lancashire), Rehan Ahmed (Leicestershire), Gus Atkinson (Surrey), Harry Brook (Yorkshire), Brydon Carse (Durham), Zak Crawley (Kent), Sam Curran (Surrey), Ben Duckett (Nottinghamshire), Tom Hartley (Lancashire), Will Jacks (Surrey), Liam Livingstone (Lancashire), Ollie Pope (Surrey), Phil Salt (Lancashire), Josh Tongue (Nottinghamshire), John Turner (Hampshire).
T20 squad: Jos Buttler (captain – Lancashire), Rehan Ahmed (Leicestershire), Moeen Ali (Warwickshire), Gus Atkinson (Surrey), Harry Brook (Yorkshire), Sam Curran (Surrey), Ben Duckett (Nottinghamshire), Will Jacks (Surrey), Liam Livingstone (Lancashire), Tymal Mills (Sussex), Adil Rashid (Yorkshire), Phil Salt (Lancashire), Josh Tongue (Nottinghamshire), Reece Topley (Surrey), John Turner (Hampshire), Chris Woakes (Warwickshire).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about England Cricket Team Changes
Who has been included in England’s new-look squad for the white-ball tour of West Indies?
Ollie Pope, John Turner, and Josh Tongue are among the new picks for England’s white-ball tour of the West Indies. The squad also includes seasoned players and young talents, with Jos Buttler continuing as captain.
Why has Dawid Malan been left out of England’s squad for the West Indies tour?
Dawid Malan, despite being the leading run-scorer for England in the World Cup, has been excluded from both the ODI and T20 squads for the West Indies tour. This decision is attributed to his recent form in T20 cricket.
What are the reasons behind the changes in England’s cricket squad for the West Indies tour?
Post their World Cup exit, England’s cricket team is being refreshed with new talent and strategies. This includes giving opportunities to uncapped players and resting certain key players with future series in mind.
Is Ben Stokes part of the England squad for the West Indies tour?
Ben Stokes has been ruled out of the West Indies tour due to an upcoming knee surgery, making him unavailable for selection in both the ODI and T20 squads.
What is the significance of the T20 series in the West Indies for England?
The T20 series in the West Indies is crucial as it acts as preparation for England’s defense of the T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and the United States scheduled for the following year.
More about England Cricket Team Changes
- England Cricket Team’s West Indies Tour Squad
- Dawid Malan’s Exclusion Explained
- Changes in England’s Post-World Cup Squad
- Ben Stokes’ Absence from West Indies Tour
- T20 World Cup Preparation for England Team
3 comments
No Ben Stokes is a huge blow, but hey, surgery’s important. Hope he recovers soon.
ollie pope in white-ball?? interesting move…let’s see how this pans out.
wow, can’t beleive Malan’s out! He was on fire during the WC… seems a bit harsh??