The England selectors announced the T20I and ODI squads for the series against Sri Lanka and had a few surprises in store. Domestic T20 pace sensation Tymal Mills was named in the T20 squad for his exploits in the ongoing Natwest T20 blast. Mills stormed the scene with his 93mph delivery which shattered the stumps of Jamaican giant Chris Gayle in a recent Natwest T20 blast fixture.
Along with Mills, batsman David Malan was also a new addition to the T20I squad. Wicketkeeper batsman Jonny Bairstow was named in both the squads after being adjudged the Man of the series in the test series. Moeen Ali, Alex Hales and Joe Root were rested from the T20I fixture, but were present in the ODI squad.
“Tymal Mills has been one of the standout performers with the ball in the NatWest T20 Blast competition this season and deserves his chance,” James Whitaker, England’s selector said. “David Malan has made great strides as an attacking batsman, both with Middlesex and the England Lions. We were particularly impressed with his three fifties during the winter tour of the UAE against Pakistan A.”
“We have made good progress over the past 12 months in all white ball cricket, which has been very encouraging,” Whitaker added. “The six matches coming up against Sri Lanka will give the players a good test of their credentials. It is important for this group of players to make a mark this summer as we continue to improve ahead of hosting the ICC Champions Trophy tournament this time next year.”
England T20I Squad vs Sri Lanka:
Eoin Morgan ( c ), Jonny Bairstow, Sam Billings, Jos Buttler, Liam Dawson, Chris Jordan, Dawid Malan, Tymal Mills, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Jason Roy, James Vince, David Willey
England ODI Squad vs Sri Lanka:
Eoin Morgan ( c ), Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler, Steven Finn, Chris Jordan, Alex Hales, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jason Roy, James Vince, David Willey, Chris Woakes