In a major show of faith, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has included pace spearhead Jofra Archer in its provisional 15-man squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, even as the fast bowler recovers from a left side strain. The announcement came on Tuesday alongside the squads for the upcoming white-ball tour of Sri Lanka, a crucial preparatory series ahead of the global tournament.
Archer's Road to Recovery and World Cup Hopes
The injury, sustained during the third Ashes Test in Adelaide earlier this month, forced Archer to miss the final two Tests of that series. As part of a carefully managed recovery plan, he will also sit out the entire Sri Lanka tour, which begins on January 22 and features three ODIs and three T20 Internationals. Durham seamer Brydon Carse has been named as his replacement for the Sri Lanka leg.
Despite this setback, the selectors have underlined Archer's pivotal role in England's T20 setup by retaining him in the World Cup squad. His final participation, however, remains subject to fitness clearance closer to the tournament, which is scheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka from February 7, 2026.
New Leadership and Fresh Faces in England's Squads
England will embark on this new campaign under fresh leadership, with Harry Brook named captain for both the Sri Lanka T20Is and the T20 World Cup. This marks a significant new chapter for the former champions as they build towards another title challenge.
The selection also brought good news for some emerging talents. Fast bowler Josh Tongue earned his maiden T20I call-up and finds a place in both the squads for Sri Lanka and the World Cup. All-rounder Will Jacks makes a return to the white-ball setup after missing the tour of New Zealand in October.
ODI Squad Sees Key Recalls
For the ODI series in Sri Lanka, batsman Zak Crawley has been recalled for the first time since December 2023, offering him a chance to build on his limited 50-over experience. The ODI squad will be bolstered by the presence of seasoned campaigners like Jos Buttler and Joe Root, providing a blend of youth and experience.
The England selection panel emphasized that the Sri Lanka tour is a vital preparation phase ahead of the World Cup. The touring party is set to depart on January 18, 2026, for what promises to be a challenging assignment in subcontinental conditions.
By keeping Archer in their plans, England ensures they retain one of their most potent match-winners, hoping he will be fully fit to spearhead their bowling attack in the quest for T20 glory once again.
England T20I squad for World Cup and Sri Lanka tour: Harry Brook (Capt), 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).
England ODI squad for Sri Lanka tour: Harry Brook (Capt), 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.
