The selectors of England Cricket team have decided to rest most of their players and have called up five uncapped players in the squad for the three-match T20I series against South Africa, which kicks off soon after the final of Champions Trophy 2017.
Liam Livingstone, Mason Crane, Dawid Malan, Tom Curran and Craig Overton are the five uncapped players who have been called to the side. Moeen Ali, Ben Stokes, Adil Rashid and Joe Root are few of the players to be rested, who will be making a comeback in the day-night county championship game, where former skipper Alastair Cook will also take part. The red ball pair of England viz Stuart Broad and James Anderson are also expected to be part of the historical game. This will a practice game for few of the international players who will be part of the side which will face West Indies in their first pink ball match after Test series against South Africa.
Among the regulars, Tymal Mills has not been included in the side due to an injury which he suffered during IPL 10, playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Talking of the uncapped players, barring Mason Malan, all the players were the part of the England Lions squad that played three List A games against South Africa A from June 1 to June 5. Riding on a quick century from Dawid Malan, Lions chased down a total of 269 in the first unofficial ODI whereas Livingstone shone with both bat and ball in the second unofficial ODI, to bundle out South Africa A on 205, while the defending a total of 350.
Ben Duckett, who was part of the England squad for the ODI series against Ireland was not considered for a place in the team.
“The T20 series against South Africa presents us with an opportunity to incorporate several players who have come through the talent pathway into the senior group. The squad has an exciting blend of youth and experience and we are looking forward to a competitive series against strong opposition,” James Whitaker, England’s national selector said.
“With five uncapped players selected, there is undoubted talent coming through the system and we are excited to see some of these players showcase their skills at the highest level. Liam Livingstone, Dawid Malan, Tom Curran and Craig Overton have impressed for the England Lions over the past 12 months and have transferred their skills to all formats, in particular with their respective counties,” he added.
The three-match T20I series kicks of from June 21 with the last one coming at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff. A four-Test match series follows the T20I series.
England T20 squad: Eoin Morgan (capt), Jonny Bairstow (first two matches of series), Sam Billings, Jos Buttler, Mason Crane, Tom Curran, Liam Dawson, Alex Hales, Chris Jordan, Liam Livingstone, Dawid Malan, Craig Overton (last two matches of series), Liam Plunkett, Jason Roy, David Willey, Mark Wood (first match of series)