By the time England play their next T20I, they will have picked their squad for the T2I World Cup. Katya Witney predicts the 15 who will make the cut.
While Harry Brook is in the fortunate position of knowing for the most part what his best group of players are for the first World Cup of his captaincy tenure, there are still some details left to nail down. Here's who's definitely in, and how the rest stack up four months out from the competition.
On the plane
The certainties are pretty easy to identify following the end of summer white-ball series against South Africa. Aside from the captain himself, former captain Jos Buttler will be a key part of the squad, with the only question around him whether he will continue as opener or move down. Phil Salt's South Africa and New Zealand blitzes mean he's inked in his name despite starting the summer with some uncertainty around his place. Jacob Bethell as well, is nailed on – despite still lacking a statement T20I score. The two spinners, Liam Dawson and Adil Rashid, have given England a backbone combination they've long been searching for. And, as long as he gets through the Ashes unscathed, Jofra Archer will lead the pace attack.
In the departure lounge
Next come those with the flight date marked in their calendars, but who are still waiting for a boarding pass. Ben Duckett, who started the summer as the incumbent opener, has had to cede his place to prioritise his Test commitments. While he's still in England's premier group of batters, his place in the side rests on how England shuffle their order, whether they keep the Salt-Buttler opening partnership, and whether they want an all-rounder in the top six. That brings Sam Curran into the conversation, having put himself back into the T20 mix with his role for Oval Invincibles over the summer. Whether England view Curran's moon-balls as a good option in the subcontinent, and how they view his role as all-rounder or specialist, will dictate whether he makes their final XI.
Curran's inclusion could also have ramifications for Tom Banton. Banton came back into the side last winter and has since been used in the middle order as a finisher. Again, he's a versatile option to have around the group – he can keep, and bat anywhere – but it's hard to see how he gets into an XI with both Duckett and Curran in it. Will Jacks' inclusion is similar to Curran's, and it will depend on whether England want an extra spinner in the top seven, but he's an option they'll want to be able to have in the squad.
As for the quicks behind Archer, Luke Wood and Brydon Carse both passed the New Zealand test, and should be regarded as strike-bowlers, albeit offering different skillsets.
Waiting by the phone
That likely leaves two places left in a 15-player squad, one of which will likely be taken by a quick. Jamie Overton has been preferred as an all-round option over the last year, but he'll have competition as the fourth seamer. Mark Wood hasn't been available for T20I selection since last winter, and the potential for both him and Archer in the side is always tempting. Gus Atkinson is also in with a shout, although his single T20I in the last two year saw him concede 38 runs from two overs. If Saqib Mahmood can make a recovery from a minor knee surgery, he'll also be in the mix.
Then there's the final spot. This could go to anyone but among the most likely is Rehan Ahmed, simply because he's got to be the best at carrying England's drinks at this point. He'll be in competition with Liam Livingstone, out of England favour currently but having had a late-summer resurgence in The Hundred and T20 Blast. Or, England could take another specialist keeper bat. Jamie Smith began the summer as an opener, but since Salt's resurgence will need to fit in as and where he can. Jordan Cox is also never far away, and for his fielding alone would be useful to have as a spare shirt.
Refreshing Ceefax
The rest can probably plan a February getaway, but will need to keep their notifications on in case of an injury crisis or last minute change of plans. Zak Crawley was given a T20I call-up for the New Zealand series, but is probably a couple of places too far down the batting pecking order. Sonny Baker set back his timeline with both his England debuts over the summer, conceding runs at a record rate in both, and Matt Potts hasn't played a T20I since the first match of the summer against West Indies. Perhaps Joe Root got another step closer to a T20I recall in The Hundred, as did Josh Tongue, who was its leading wicket-taker. But, all of them can likely put their feet up in the New Year, and start plotting their route in for the 2028 edition.
Predicted England squad for T20 World Cup
Harry Brook (c)
Jos Buttler
Phil Salt
Jacob Bethell
Ben Duckett
Sam Curran
Will Jacks
Jofra Archer
Liam Dawson
Adil Rashid
Tom Banton
Luke Wood
Brydon Carse
Jamie Overton
Rehan Ahmed
Follow Wisden for all cricket updates, including live scores, match stats, quizzes and more. Stay up to date with the latest cricket news, player updates, team standings, match highlights, video analysis and live match odds.
