NEW DELHI: England have named Jofra Archer in their provisional squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, showing faith in the fast bowler despite his ongoing recovery from a left side strain that sidelined him for the final two Ashes Tests.
The selection announcement on Tuesday also marked a milestone for Josh Tongue, who has earned his maiden call-up to the T20 set-up. He is part of a 15-member squad that will be led by Harry Brook at the tournament, scheduled to be held across India and Sri Lanka from February 7.
Jofra Archer has been included in England's provisional T20 World Cup squad after his Ashes-ending injury, with fellow fast bowler Josh Tongue also named in a 15-player group for February and March's tournament in India and Sri Lanka 🏴✅ pic.twitter.com/fMMxNcnmv8
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) December 30, 2025
Archer, however, will not travel for the pre-tournament tour of Sri Lanka, opting instead to continue his rehabilitation after picking up the injury during the third Ashes Test in Adelaide earlier this month.
"Archer is included in the provisional T20 World Cup squad but will miss the tour of Sri Lanka as he continues his rehabilitation with the England medical team following the left side strain sustained during the third Ashes Test in Adelaide earlier this month," England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said in a statement.
In his absence, Brydon Carse has been drafted into the touring party for the Sri Lanka leg, which includes three ODIs and three T20Is starting January 22.
Meanwhile, Zak Crawley has been recalled to the ODI squad, making his return to the 50-over set-up for the first time since December 2023.
England Squad (Provisional for T20 World Cup 2026): Harry Brook (C), 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
England T20I squad v Sri Lanka: Harry Brook (captain), Rehan Ahmed, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, Brydon Carse* (Sri Lanka tour only), Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Josh Tongue, Luke Wood
England ODI squad v Sri Lanka: 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
Fixtures v Sri Lanka
ODIs:
22 January 2026 - R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
24 January 2026 - R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
27 January 2026 - R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
T20Is:
30 January 2026 - Pallekele International Stadium, Kandy
1 February 2026 - Pallekele International Stadium, Kandy
3 February 2026 - Pallekele International Stadium, Kandy
