Jofra Archer included in England T20 World Cup squad despite injury ruling him out of Ashes
Fast bowler Jofra Archer has been included in England’s provisional T20 World Cup squad despite suffering a left side strain that ruled him out of the final two Ashes Tests against Australia. The injury concern has prompted England to rest Archer for the warm-up tour to Sri Lanka next month, with Brydon Carse set to replace him for three ODIs and three T20Is beginning January 22.
Archer named in World Cup squad but to miss Sri Lanka tour
England announced their 15-man T20 World Cup squad on Tuesday, with Harry Brook named captain for the tournament in India and Sri Lanka starting February 7. Fellow quick Josh Tongue has earned his first T20I call-up, adding depth to England’s pace attack.
However, Archer will sit out the Sri Lanka tour to continue his rehabilitation after sustaining the injury during the third Ashes Test in Adelaide earlier this month. The decision reflects England’s cautious approach to managing the injury-prone speedster, who has endured a stop-start career since bursting onto the scene during the 2019 World Cup.
Carse’s inclusion for the Sri Lanka tour provides cover while Archer focuses on being fit for the World Cup, where his express pace and ability to deliver in high-pressure situations could prove crucial for England’s title defense.
Harry Brook to lead England in World Cup
Harry Brook will captain England at the T20 World Cup, taking over from Jos Buttler, who remains in the squad as a senior player and wicketkeeper. Brook has been impressive as a leader in recent white-ball series and will be tasked with guiding England through a challenging tournament.
The squad features a blend of experience and youth, with Rehan Ahmed, Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Sam Curran, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, and Luke Wood all included alongside Archer, Tongue, and Buttler.
Crawley returns to ODI squad after two-year absence
In the ODI setup, Zak Crawley has been recalled for the first time since December 2023, signaling a fresh opportunity for the opener as England look to build towards the 2027 ODI World Cup.
The ODI squad for the Sri Lanka tour includes Joe Root, who returns to the 50-over setup alongside Crawley. The rest of the squad mirrors the T20 contingent, with Carse replacing Archer for the Sri Lanka leg.
England ODI squad for Sri Lanka tour:
Harry Brook (captain), Rehan Ahmed, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Luke Wood
England T20 World Cup squad and Sri Lanka tour:
Harry Brook (captain), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Josh Tongue, Luke Wood, Brydon Carse (Sri Lanka tour only)