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44 Contenders For 23-Men England ICC 2022 T20 World Cup Squad: Who’s In, Who Misses Out?

Captain Eoin Morgan said that he is “continuously monitoring different” individuals for the England T20 World Cup Squad. So why not help him out a bit?

Saqib Mahmood dazzled in the Pakistan-England series, Liam Livingstone and James Vince are striking the living daylight out of the white ball, and death bowlers are getting more expensive by the day.

The Hundred is upon us now. We get to see breakout stars like Chris Benjamin. However, it is unlikely they will even be considered for the upcoming T20 World Cup. On the other hand, ex-England players like Ravi Bopara, Samit Patel, Steven Finn, and Jade Dernbach make sure that the domestic game is still strong, but they will not board the plane either come November.

We analyze each and every player that is contender for the 23-men (COVID rules) T20 World Cup—when they last played for England, T20/T20I stats, where they stack with their competitors, and how many games they have to secure their spot. There are 36 strong candidates in the list with 44 overall T20 prospects for this World Cup. And no, this is not the entire depth of the English cricket team. That would take it up to 75 players depth!

Table of Contents

  1. Legend
    1. Current Status
    2. Verdict
  2. England T20 World Cup Squad – Player By Player Analysis
  3. Openers
  4. #3 and #4
  5. Finishers
  6. Reserve Keeper
  7. All Rounders
  8. Fast Bowlers
  9. Spinners
  10. Notable Exclusions
  11. England XI

Also Read: County Cricket-Hundred Debate From an Outsider’s Perspective: Can They Co-Exist?, The Comedy of Overs: A Shakespearean Parody

Legend

Current Status

  • Incumbent: Currently in England’s T20I XI
  • Reserve: May have played for England in the last two years but does not make their first XI
  • Out of Squad: Might have represented England earlier or about to breakthrough, but have not been in the England squad in the last couple of T20I series.

Verdict

🟩 Plays the first match in the T20 World Cup

🟨 Boards the plane to UAE but might not get a look-into the XI

🟧 Wildcard Entry: Not in the current scheme of things but a good performance in the Hundred, T20 Blast, or IPL, and they might be back in the conversation.

🟥 Most likely not going to make it, but in COVID-19 World, anything is possible. They are next in the pecking order in case something out of the blue happens.

Over the past year, at the end of every series, we did a “World T20 World Cup Watch,” where a 23-men squad was chosen after latest performance. You can check them below.

Also Read: England Vs Sri Lanka 2021 Series Review, India Vs England Series Review T20I, England Vs South Africa 2020 Series Review

Here is the pecking order now.

England T20 World Cup Squad – Player By Player Analysis

In order to create the machinery for the explosive England T20 World Cup Squad, we specifically pay attention to the Average + Strike Rate score for the batters along with the Economy Rate for the bowlers. A Dawid Malan (high average, decent strike rate) is just as important as a Jason Roy (decent average, high strike rate) to this squad.

Openers

1. Jason Roy 🟩

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  • Current Status: Incumbent
  • T20Is: 48, Runs: 3658, 100/50: 0/6, Best: 78, AVE+SR: 170.51, Average: 24.85, SR: 145.66
  • T20s: 246, Runs: 6403, 100/50: 4/42, Best: 122*, AVE+SR: 171.23, Average: 27.96, SR: 143.27
  • Last Played T20I For England: July 19, 2021
  • Is he in the India test series? No. Will he play the IPL? Yes.
  • Hundred Team: Oval Invincibles, IPL Team: Sunrisers Hyderabad
  • Out of form in the last year, he is just getting back to his best. If he performs in the Hundred, he makes the XI, let alone the squad.

2. Jos Buttler 🟩

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  • Current Status: Incumbent, Other Roles: Keeper/Vice-Captain
  • T20Is: 82, Runs: 1871, 100/50: 0/14, Best: 83*, AVE+SR: 171.54, Average: 31.71, SR: 139.83
  • T20s: 292, Runs: 7066, 100/50: 1/49, Best: 124, AVE+SR: 175.44, Average: 31.68, SR: 143.76
  • Last Played T20I For England: July 19, 2021
  • Is he in the India test series? Yes. Will he play the IPL? Yes.
  • Hundred Team: Manchester Originals, IPL Team: Rajasthan Royals
  • Vice-Captain, Wicketkeeper. Has gone to another level as a T20I opener. One of the first names of the team sheet.

3. James Vince 🟨

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  • Current Status: Reserve
  • T20Is: 12, Runs: 340, 100/50: 0/1, Best: 59, AVE+SR: 151.96, Average: 28.33, SR: 123.63
  • T20s: 258, Runs: 6949, 100/50: 2/42, Best: 107*, AVE+SR: 164.73, Average: 30.61, SR: 134.12
  • Last Played T20I For England: November 9, 2019 (*ODI: July 12, 2021)
  • Is he in the India test series? No. Will he play the IPL? No.
  • Hundred Team: Southern Brave, IPL Team: None
  • Has the best cover drive in England. Finally showed up on the big stage with a 100 in ODI against Pakistan. Performed in other leagues around the world in the past year and continuing it with The Hundred – pushing for a spot in the squad. Maybe in the XI.

4. Tom Banton 🟨

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  • Current Status: Out of Squad, Other Roles: Keeper
  • T20Is: 9, Runs: 205, 100/50: 0/1, Best: 71, AVE+SR: 166.12, Average: 22.77, SR: 143.35
  • T20s: 53, Runs: 1394, 100/50: 2/9, Best: 107*, AVE+SR: 184.89, Average: 28.44, SR: 156.45
  • Last Played T20I For England: September 7, 2020
  • Is he in the India test series? No. Will he play the IPL? No.
  • Hundred Team: Welsh Fire, IPL Team: None
  • Burst on the scene as the next ‘KP’ with the scoops and reverse sweeps. Destructive when on fire but has received limited opportunities. Needs to make most of The Hundred if he wants to get into the England squad.

5. Alex Hales 🟧

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  • Current Status: Out of Squad
  • T20Is: 60, Runs: 1644, 100/50: 1/8, Best: 71, AVE+SR: 167.66, Average: 31.01, SR: 136.65
  • T20s: 306, Runs: 8569, 100/50: 5/53, Best: 116*, AVE+SR: 176.87, Average: 30.82, SR: 146.05
  • Last Played T20I For England: March 9, 2019
  • Is he in the India test series? No. Will he play the IPL? No.
  • Hundred Team: Trent Rockets, IPL Team: None
  • Dominates T20 leagues around the world. Failed drug tests, Bristol brawl, relationship with Morgan, and controversy has almost killed his international career. Time running out for that ‘conversation’ to get him back into the England team. And with like-to-like batter James Vince already having a foot in the door, it will be difficult for him to comeback.

6. Phil Salt 🟥

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  • Current Status: Reserve
  • T20s: 104, Runs: 2333, 100/50: 0/18, Best: 78*, AVE+SR: 176.94, Average: 25.35, SR: 151.59
  • Last Played T20I For England: Yet to play (*ODI: July 12, 2021)
  • Is he in the India test series? No. Will he play the IPL? No.
  • Hundred Team: Manchester Originals, IPL Team: None
  • Impressed in the ODI series against Pakistan. Look out for him in the next decade. Only an outside chance for this World Cup.

England T20 World Cup Squad Verdict – Openers

  • Makes Team: Jason Roy, Jos Buttler, James Vince, Tom Banton
  • Out of Team: Alex Hales, Phil Salt

#3 and #4

7. Dawid Malan 🟨

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  • Current Status: Incumbent
  • T20Is: 30, Runs: 1123, 100/50: 1/11, Best: 103*, AVE+SR: 182.62, Average: 43.19, SR: 139.33
  • T20s: 240, Runs: 6507, 100/50: 5/38, Best: 117, AVE+SR: 160.52, Average: 32.69, SR: 127.83
  • Last Played T20I For England: July 19, 2021
  • Is he in the India test series? No. Will he play the IPL? Yes.
  • Hundred Team: Trent Rockets, IPL Team: Punjab Kings
  • #1 T20I batter in the world, but questions beginning to creep on his position in the XI due to spin. He is definitely a match-winner, but hope he does not lose matches on his off-days.

8. Moeen Ali 🟨

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  • Current Status: Incumbent, Other Roles: Off-spinner/All-rounder
  • T20Is: 38, Runs: 437, 100/50: 0/2, Best: 72*, AVE+SR: 152.32, Average: 16.18, SR: 136.13, Wickets: 21, Best: 2/21, Economy: 8.42
  • T20s: 183, Runs: 3925, 100/50: 2/21, Best: 121*, AVE+SR: 165.62, Average: 24.84, SR: 140.78, Wickets: 124, Best: 5/34, Economy: 7.56
  • Last Played T20I For England: July 19, 2021
  • Is he in the India test series? No. Will he play the IPL? Yes.
  • Hundred Team: Birmingham Phoenix, IPL Team: Chennai Super Kings
  • Has to one of my the most underutilized players in the last decade. Practically played in every position and with vital IPL experience, will be key in UAE. Can he beat the competition to bat in the top-order?

9. Ben Stokes 🟩

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  • Current Status: Incumbent, Other Roles: Medium Pace/All-rounder/Reserve Captain
  • T20Is: 34, Runs: 442, 100/50: 0/0, Best: 47*, AVE+SR: 156.93, Average: 20.09, SR: 136.84, Wickets: 19, Best: 3/26, Economy: 8.77
  • T20s: 148, Runs: 2865, 100/50: 2/9, Best: 107*, AVE+SR: 159.98, Average: 24.91, SR: 135.07, Wickets: 86, Best: 4/16, Economy: 8.52
  • Last Played T20I For England: March 19, 2021
  • Is he in the India test series? No. Will he play the IPL? Uncertain.
  • Hundred Team: Northern Superchargers, IPL Team: Rajasthan Royals
  • Not the best T20 stats but he is a big game player. The real question is, where does he play? #3 like the IPL or as a finisher? Stokes is taking an indefinite break from all cricket. Hopefully he is okay.

10. Jonny Bairstow 🟩

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  • Current Status: Incumbent, Other Roles: Keeper
  • T20Is: 57, Runs: 1143, 100/50: 0/7, Best: 86*, AVE+SR: 164.92, Average: 27.87, SR: 137.05
  • T20s: 160, Runs: 3857, 100/50: 3/22, Best: 114, AVE+SR: 169.29, Average: 31.35, SR: 137.94
  • Last Played T20I For England: July 19, 2021
  • Is he in the India test series? Yes. (but why?) Will he play the IPL? Yes.
  • Hundred Team: Welsh Fire, IPL Team: Sunrisers Hyderabad
  • One of the best ODI opening batters of all-time, a clean striker, and a wonderful player of spin, his role might change with a #4 position for the T20 World Cup.

11. Joe Root 🟧

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  • Current Status: Out of Squad, Other Roles: Part-time Off-Spinner
  • T20Is: 32, Runs: 893, 100/50: 0/5, Best: 90*, AVE+SR: 162.02, Average: 35.72, SR: 126.30, Wickets: 6, Best: 2/9, Economy: 9.92
  • T20s: 83, Runs: 1994, 100/50: 0/13, Best: 92*, AVE+SR: 158.92, Average: 32.16, SR: 126.76, Wickets: 21, Best: 2/7, Economy: 8.41
  • Last Played T20I For England: May 4, 2019 (ODI: 3 July, 2021)
  • Is he in the India test series? Yes. Will he play the IPL? No.
  • Hundred Team: Trent Rockets, IPL Team: None
  • Chief architect of the 2016 runners-up campaign, Root has fallen off the charts in the last four years in T20 cricket. He has expressed his desire to play more T20I cricket but does not play many leagues. Lower SR than Malan, but is a valuable part-timer that might help his case.

12. Zak Crawley 🟥

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  • Current Status: Out of Squad
  • T20s: 35, Runs: 1042, 100/50: 1/5, Best: 108*, AVE+SR: 187.29, Average: 33.61, SR: 153.68
  • Last Played T20I For England: Yet to Play (ODI: July 12, 2021)
  • Is he in the India test series? Yes. Will he play the IPL? No.
  • Hundred Team: London Spirit, IPL Team: None
  • An outside choice for the T20 World Cup, but he showed in London Spirit’s opening game of the Hundred, that he is a fluent batter – 64 (40). One of England’s future stars, a 187.29 AVE+SR is the best of any current England batters apart from Livingstone

13. Ben Duckett 🟥

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  • Current Status: Out of Squad
  • T20Is: 1, Runs: 9, 100/50: 0/0, Best: 9, AVE+SR: 137.57, Average: 9.00, SR: 128.57
  • T20s: 122, Runs: 2903, 100/50: 0/18, Best: 96, AVE+SR: 166.85, Average: 30.88, SR: 135.97
  • Last Played T20I For England: May 4, 2019
  • Is he in the India test series? No. Will he play the IPL? No.
  • Hundred Team: Welsh Fire, IPL Team: None
  • With scores of 53,41 (The Hundred), 74*, 45 (Vitality Blast), 69* (County Championship), Duckett is in red-hot form and was in the Pakistan squad. He is on the fringe and definitely has the shots, courage, and innovation to succeed in T20s.

14. Joe Denly 🟥

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  • Current Status: Out of Squad, Other Roles: Part-time Leg-Spinner (has a hat-trick)
  • T20Is: 13, Runs: 125, 100/50: 0/0, Best: 30, AVE+SR: 118.43, Average: 12.50, SR: 105.93,Wickets: 7, Best: 4/19, Economy: 7.75
  • T20s: 241, Runs: 5719, 100/50: 4/31, Best: 127, AVE+SR: 148.64, Average: 26.60, SR: 122.04, Wickets: 41, Best: 4/19, Economy: 7.80
  • Last Played T20I For England: September 7, 2020
  • Is he in the India test series? No. Will he play the IPL? No.
  • Hundred Team: London Spirit, IPL Team: None
  • Cameback after a decade, played a few memorable knocks, but in all likelihood, selectors have left him behind. My gut says that one of the Joes will make it in the squad – Denly’s flexibility and leg break is a big plus (but Root will likely edge past him).

England T20 World Cup Squad Verdict – #3-4

  • Makes Team: Dawid Malan, Moeen Ali, Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root
  • Out of Team: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Joe Denly

Finishers

15. Eoin Morgan 🟨

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  • Current Status: Incumbent, Other Roles: Captain
  • T20Is: 107, Runs: 2360, 100/50: 0/14, Best: 91, AVE+SR: 167.03, Average: 28.78, SR: 138.25
  • T20s: 332, Runs: 7217, 100/50: 0/37, Best: 91, AVE+SR: 158.99, Average: 26.82, SR: 132.17
  • Last Played T20I For England: July 19, 2021
  • Is he in the India test series? No. Will he play the IPL? Most Likely.
  • Hundred Team: London Spirit, IPL Team: Kolkata Knight Riders
  • Captain Morgan, captain cool. His pedigree in captaincy is still top notch but his potency with the bat has declined. Just a loss of form or signal to waning batting prowess? Does he make your XI?

16. Liam Livingstone 🟩

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  • Current Status: Reserve, Other Roles: Part-time Leg Spinner
  • T20Is: 8, Runs: 206, 100/50: 1/0, Best: 103, AVE+SR: 201.80, Average: 34.33, SR: 167.47, Wickets: 2, Best: 1/8, Economy: 7.20
  • T20s: 141, Runs: 3608, 100/50: 2/20, Best: 103, AVE+SR: 171.13, Average: 29.09, SR: 142.04, Wickets: 53, Best: 4/17, Economy: 7.76
  • Last Played T20I For England: July 19, 2021
  • Is he in the India test series? No. Will he play the IPL? Yes.
  • Hundred Team: Birmingham Phoenix, IPL Team: Rajasthan Royals
  • Fastest T20I century by an Englishmen and probably one of the longest hitter of the ball. The most in-form batter in England, he should make the England XI.

17. Sam Billings 🟨

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  • Current Status: Reserve, Other Roles: Keeper
  • T20Is: 32, Runs: 417, 100/50: 0/2, Best: 87, AVE+SR: 145.08, Average: 16.68, SR: 128.30
  • T20s: 180, Runs: 3646, 100/50: 0/21, Best: 95*, AVE+SR: 153.93, Average: 23.67, SR: 130.26
  • Last Played T20I For England: June 25, 2021
  • Is he in the India test series? No. Will he play the IPL? Yes.
  • Hundred Team: Oval Invincibles, IPL Team: Chennai Super Kings
  • The ultimate team man, Sam Billings has been carrying drinks for the last four years. He should make the squad just because of his patience. Expecting a couple of cameos with the little opportunities he gets.

England T20 World Cup Squad Verdict – Finishers

  • Makes Team: Eoin Morgan, Liam Livingstone, Sam Billings
  • Out of Team:

Reserve Keeper

18. John Simpson 🟧

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  • Current Status: Out of Squad, Other Roles: Keeper
  • T20s: 132, Runs: 2238, 100/50: 0/8, Best: 84*, AVE+SR: 153.04, Average: 23.31, SR: 129.73
  • Last Played T20I For England: Yet to Play (July 12, 2021)
  • Is he in the India test series? No. Will he play the IPL? No.
  • Hundred Team: Northern Superchargers, IPL Team: Chennai Super Kings
  • Impressed with his keeping skills in the England-Pakistan series, but will most likely not make it with Buttler-Bairstow-Billings-Banton all secondary keepers.

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All Rounders

19. Sam Curran 🟩

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  • Current Status: Incumbent, Other Roles: Pinch-hitter
  • T20Is: 16, Runs: 91, 100/50: 0/0, Best: 24, AVE+SR: 177.84, Average: 18.20, SR: 159.64, Wickets: 16, Best: 3/28, Economy: 7.93
  • T20s: 103, Runs: 1232, 100/50: 0/6, Best: 72*, AVE+SR: 167.46, Average: 20.88, SR: 136.58, Wickets: 103, Best: 4/11, Economy: 8.49
  • Last Played T20I For England: June 25, 2021
  • Is he in the India test series? Yes. Will he play the IPL? Yes.
  • Hundred Team: Oval Invincibles, IPL Team: Chennai Super Kings
  • The ‘Makes Things Happen‘ guy, he is a valuable asset, especially after his Chennai Super Kings stint. Opens the bowling, bowls at the death, and can open the batting/#3 as a pinch hitter. A gun fielder as well.

20. David Willey 🟧

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  • Current Status: Reserve, Other Roles: Specialist swing bowler
  • T20Is: 32, Runs: 182, 100/50: 0/0, Best: 29*, AVE+SR: 146.84, Average: 14.00, SR: 132.84, Wickets: 38, Best: 4/7, Economy: 7.99
  • T20s: 197, Runs: 2797, 100/50: 2/11, Best: 118, AVE+SR: 163.77, Average: 23.50, SR: 140.27, Wickets: 191, Best: 4/7, Economy: 7.89
  • Last Played T20I For England: July 19, 2021
  • Is he in the India test series? No. Will he play the IPL? No.
  • Hundred Team: Northern Superchargers, IPL Team: None
  • Has been in-and-out of the squad since his debut. Jofra Archer’s entrance meant his spot was sacrificed on the eve of the World Cup. He should find a place in the 23-men squad, and can be played in the XI if swing on offer. Bats at he top in domestic cricket as well.

21. Chris Jordan 🟨

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  • Current Status: Reserve, Other Roles: Specialist Death Bowler
  • T20Is: 65, Runs: 296, 100/50: 0/0, Best: 36, AVE+SR: 148.13, Average: 14.80, SR: 133.33, Wickets: 73, Best: 4/6, Economy: 8.70
  • T20s: 227, Runs: 1179, 100/50: 0/6, Best: 45, AVE+SR: 135.04, Average: 14.37, SR: 120.67, Wickets: 103, Best: 4/11, Economy: 8.49
  • Last Played T20I For England: July 19, 2021
  • Is he in the India test series? No. Will he play the IPL? Yes.
  • Hundred Team: Southern Brave, IPL Team: Punjab Kings
  • Highest wicket-taker for England in T20Is (73), his inconsistency and economy rate has seen him dropped recently. If he is in-form, he merits a place in the XI. Has the yorkers, all the variations, and one of the best fielders on the circuit.

22. Chris Woakes 🟨

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  • Current Status: Reserve
  • T20Is: 10, Runs: 91, 100/50: 0/0, Best: 37, AVE+SR: 170.77, Average: 30.33, SR: 144.44, Wickets: 8, Best: 2/40, Economy: 8.11
  • T20s: 118, Runs: 831, 100/50: 0/2, Best: 57* AVE+SR: 162.30, Average: 25.18, SR: 137.12, Wickets: 129, Best: 4/21, Economy: 8.27
  • Last Played T20I For England: July 19, 2021
  • Is he in the India test series? No. Will he play the IPL? Yes.
  • Hundred Team: Birmingham Phoenix, IPL Team: Delhi Capitals
  • No questions on his credentials, but does he make the XI with Archer, Wood, Curran, Jordan? Also gets rested too often. Maybe he is injury prone.

23. Lewis Gregory 🟥

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  • Current Status: Reserve
  • T20Is: 9, Runs: 45, 100/50: 0/0, Best: 15, AVE+SR: 117.25, Average: 7.50, SR: 109.75, Wickets: 2, Best: 1/10, Economy: 9.00
  • T20s: 141, Runs: 1758, 100/50: 0/5, Best: 76*, AVE+SR: 163.84, Average: 20.92, SR: 142.92, Wickets: 133, Best: 5/27, Economy: 8.99
  • Last Played T20I For England: July 15, 2021
  • Is he in the India test series? No. Will he play the IPL? No.
  • Hundred Team: Trent Rockets, IPL Team: None
  • Brilliant 77 to rescue England against Pakistan in an ODI will be in selectors mind, but will be touch-and-go for the 23-squad.

24. Tom Curran 🟧

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  • Current Status: Incumbent
  • T20Is: 30, Runs: 64, 100/50: 0/0, Best: 14*, AVE+SR: 124.94, Average: 10.66, SR: 114.28, Wickets: 29, Best: 4/36, Economy: 9.25
  • T20s: 145, Runs: 1057, 100/50: 0/3, Best: 62, AVE+SR: 153.24, Average: 19.94, SR: 134.30, Wickets: 165, Best: 4/22, Economy: 8.85
  • Last Played T20I For England: July 17, 2021
  • Is he in the India test series? No. Will he play the IPL? Yes.
  • Hundred Team: Oval Invincibles, IPL Team: Delhi Capitals
  • Tom Curran is the big question. If he is in the squad, he will definitely get games but it is a risky proposition. With other allrounders in the team, will Brydon Carse, Reece Topley, and Lewis Gregory give Tom a scare? Not sure if specialist slower delivery alone is valuable in today’s era. The IPL in UAE is break or make for him.

25. Liam Dawson 🟥

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  • Current Status: Out of Squad, Other Roles: Left-arm orthodox
  • T20Is: 6, Runs: 17, 100/50: 0/0, Best: 10, AVE+SR: 229.50, Average: 17.00, SR: 212.50, Wickets: 5, Best: 3/27, Economy: 7.60
  • T20s: 177, Runs: 1984, 100/50: 0/5, Best: 82, AVE+SR: 133.72, Average: 19.64, SR: 114.08, Wickets: 126, Best: 5/17, Economy: 7.30
  • Last Played T20I For England: February 17, 2018
  • Is he in the India test series? No. Will he play the IPL? No.
  • Hundred Team: Southern Brave, IPL Team: No
  • Matt Parkinson has nearly established himself as an understudy to Adil Rashid in the spin department. Dawson hasn’t played since 2018, but will the slow UAE pitches and left-arm spin variety force a rethink?

England T20 World Cup Squad Verdict – All-Rounders

  • Makes Team: Sam Curran, David Willey, Chris Jordan, Chris Woakes
  • Out of Team: Tom Curran, Lewis Gregory, Liam Dawson

Fast Bowlers

26. Jofra Archer 🟥

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  • Current Status: Incumbent
  • T20Is: 12, Wickets: 14, Best: 4/33, Economy: 7.89
  • T20s: 121, Wickets: 153, Best: 4/18, Economy: 7.65
  • Last Played T20I For England: March 19, 2021
  • Is he in the India test series? No. Will he play the IPL? Maybe.
  • Hundred Team: Southern Brave (not playing), IPL Team: Rajasthan Royals
  • If fit, he will make the XI, but if not, how does that change England’s composition?

Update August 5th, 2021: Jofra Archer has been ruled out of the T20 World and other cricket for the rest of the year due to elbow fracture.

27. Mark Wood 🟩

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  • Current Status: Incumbent
  • T20Is: 17, Wickets: 26, Best: 3/9, Economy: 8.50
  • T20s: 38, Wickets: 46, Best: 4/25, Economy: 8.14
  • Last Played T20I For England: June 23, 2021
  • Is he in the India test series? Yes. Will he play the IPL? No.
  • Hundred Team: London Spirit (not playing), IPL Team: Rajasthan Royals
  • England’s enforcer in limited overs cricket, their team’s success relies heavily on Wood’s form. At the peak of his powers, no question on his place.

28. Saqib Mahmood 🟩

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  • Current Status: Incumbent
  • T20Is: 9, Wickets: 7, Best: 3/33, Economy: 10.41
  • T20s: 42, Wickets: 54, Best: 4/14, Economy: 8.54
  • Last Played T20I For England: July 19, 2021
  • Is he in the India test series? No. Will he play the IPL? No.
  • Hundred Team: Oval Invincibles, IPL Team: None
  • With 4/42, 2/21, 3/60, 1/46, 3/33 across formats against Pakistan, Saqib has stormed into England’s squad. Like-for-like replacement for Wood in ODIs, can he replicate his success in T20Is?

29. Reece Topley 🟨

  • Current Status: Reserve
  • T20Is: 6, Wickets: 5, Best: 3/24, Economy: 10.07
  • T20s: 117, Wickets: 117, Best: 4/20, Economy: 8.18
  • Last Played T20I For England: March 17, 2016 (ODI: March 27, 2021)
  • Is he in the India test series? No. Will he play the IPL? No.
  • Hundred Team: Oval Invincibles, IPL Team: None
  • 6 foot 7, left arm medium. Height, left-arm, pace & bounce. Injuries have marred his career, but not too far away from the XI.

30. Jake Ball 🟧

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  • Current Status: Out of Squad
  • T20Is: 2, Wickets: 2, Best: 1/39, Economy: 11.85
  • T20s: 93, Wickets: 118, Best: 4/11, Economy: 8.81
  • Last Played T20I For England: July 7, 2018
  • Is he in the India test series? No. Will he play the IPL? No.
  • Hundred Team: Welsh Fire, IPL Team: None
  • Been around since 2016 and debuted in all formats, but never managed to cement a place. The Hundred is his final opportunity before the T20 World Cup.

31. Tymal Mills 🟥

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  • Current Status: Out of Squad
  • T20Is: 5, Wickets: 3, Best: 1/27, Economy: 6.78
  • T20s: 132, Wickets: 142, Best: 4/22, Economy: 7.84
  • Last Played T20I For England: May 30, 2018 (ICC World XI), 2017 – last played for England
  • Is he in the India test series? No. Will he play the IPL? No.
  • Hundred Team: Southern Brave, IPL Team: None
  • One of the fastest in England, a poor stint with RCB in the IPL & injuries set him back for a couple of years. Still only 28, still has a long career ahead. Definitely in Morgan’s mind and considered for the World Cup due to his X-factor potential.

32. Brydon Carse 🟧

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  • Current Status: Out of Squad
  • T20s: 36, Wickets: 19, Best: 3/30, Economy: 8.76
  • Last Played T20I For England: Yet to play (ODI: July 12, 2021)
  • Is he in the India test series? No. Will he play the IPL? No.
  • Hundred Team: Northern Superchargers, IPL Team: None
  • Has impressed at the death in the Pakistan series and so far with the Hundred. An outside chance to replace Tom Curran.

33. Craig Overton 🟥

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  • Current Status: Out of Squad
  • T20s: 59, Wickets: 54, Best: 3/17, Economy: 9.00
  • Last Played T20I For England: Yet to play (ODI: July 12, 2021)
  • Is he in the India test series? Yes. Will he play the IPL? No.
  • Hundred Team: Southern Brave, IPL Team: None
  • Replaces Ben Stokes in the Test series and has been a fringe player for a while. Hope he receives more opportunities.

England T20 World Cup Squad Verdict – Fast Bowlers

  • Makes Team: Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, Saqib Mahmood, Reece Topley
  • Out of Team: Jake Ball, Tymal Mills, Brydon Carse, Craig Overton

Spinners

34. Adil Rashid 🟩

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  • Current Status: Out of Squad, Style: Legbreak
  • T20Is: 62, Wickets: 65, Best: 4/35, Economy: 7.48
  • T20s: 195, Wickets: 222, Best: 4/19, Economy: 7.43
  • Last Played T20I For England: July 19, 2021
  • Is he in the India test series? No. Will he play the IPL? No (needs to be picked though).
  • Hundred Team: Northern Superchargers, IPL Team: None
  • Approaching legendary status. Will be absolutely crucial for the World Cup.

35. Matt Parkinson 🟩

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  • Current Status: Out of Squad Style: Legbreak
  • T20Is: 4, Wickets: 6, Best: 4/47, Economy: 9.50
  • T20s: 63, Wickets: 99, Best: 4/9, Economy: 7.49
  • Last Played T20I For England: July 17, 2021
  • Is he in the India test series? No. Will he play the IPL? No.
  • Hundred Team: Manchester Originals, IPL Team: None
  • Parkinson’s 4/9 against Birmingham Phoenix was a timely reminder of his abilities. Shane Warne thinks England should pencil him for the Ashes. In turning pitches of UAE, Rashid-Parkinson can be a deadly duo.

36. Mason Crane 🟥

  • Current Status: Out of Squad Style: Legbreak
  • T20Is: 2, Wickets: 1, Best: 1/38, Economy: 7.75
  • T20s: 51, Wickets: 59, Best: 3/15, Economy: 7.27
  • Last Played T20I For England: June 24, 2017 (Test: 7 January, 2018)
  • Is he in the India test series? No. Will he play the IPL? No.
  • Hundred Team: London Spirit, IPL Team: None
  • Has always been in conversation as a replacement spinner but with Rashid solidifying the limited overs spot, Dom Bess/Jack Leach receiving the vote of confidence, and Matt Parkinson’s rapid rise, Crane has not seen much of international cricket. Does not help that he his also a legspinner.
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England T20 World Cup Squad Verdict – Spinners

  • Makes Team: Adil Rashid, Matt Parkinson
  • Out of Team: Mason Crane

Notable Exclusions

37-45. Liam Plunkett, George Garton, Danny Briggs, Tom Helm, Will Jacks, Dan Lawrence, David Payne, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson

*Since Jofra Archer is ruled out for the entire year, England still has 44 players to consider.

England XI

Based on Ben Stokes & Chris Woakes’ availability, this is my XI and England squad of 23. Eoin Morgan’s form is a concern, but doubt he will be dropped on the eve of the World Cup.

  1. Jason Roy
  2. Jos Buttler (WK/VC)
  3. Ben Stokes*
  4. Jonny Bairstow
  5. Eoin Morgan (C)
  6. Liam Livingstone
  7. Sam Curran
  8. Chris Jordan
  9. Mark Wood
  10. Adil Rashid
  11. Matt Parkinson

*doubtful

Squad: 12. Moeen Ali, 13. Dawid Malan, 14. Saqib Mahmood, 15. James Vince, 16. Tom Curran, 17. Tom Banton, 18. Sam Billings, 19. Chris Woakes, 20. Reece Topley, 21. David Willey, 22. Jake Ball/Brydon Carse, 23. Joe Root/Alex Hales

For #22-23, I am going with Carse-Root. Young X-factor, and the off-spin of Root.

August 5th Update: Initially Tom Curran did not make my 23, but since Jofra Archer is ruled out, I am putting Chris Jordan in the XI and Tom Curran in the 23.

Variations in the XI

  • In extra spin conditions, I would play Moeen Ali & Joe Root in the top order. Better players of spin and good bowling options as well.
  • On a flat high scoring pitch, a death bowler who can bat like Chris Jordan would be a good punt.
  • If swinging conditions are available, two out of Sam Curran, David Willey, and Chris Woakes could be considered.

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