Archer, Tongue Named in England’s Provisional Squad for 2026 T20 World Cup

Jofra Archer has been included in England’s provisional 15-man squad for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, despite continuing his recovery from a left side strain that ruled him out of the remainder of the Ashes series.

Archer was England’s standout performer during the Ashes before sustaining the injury in the third Test in Adelaide. He claimed nine wickets at an average of 27.11, including a five-wicket haul, and also scored his maiden Test half-century. The fast bowler left Australia on Boxing Day and is currently rehabilitating in Barbados under the supervision of the ECB medical team. He will miss England’s upcoming white-ball tour of Sri Lanka but is expected to rejoin the squad in India ahead of England’s opening World Cup group match against Nepal in Mumbai on February 8.

Also included in the provisional World Cup squad is Josh Tongue, who is yet to make his international debut in limited-overs cricket. Head coach Brendon McCullum and white-ball captain Harry Brook have identified Tongue as a strike bowler suited to the flatter pitches expected in India and Sri Lanka. Though relatively inexperienced in T20 cricket, Tongue has impressed this year, finishing as the leading wicket-taker in the men’s Hundred and producing strong performances during the Ashes, including a match-winning display at the MCG.

Jamie Smith has been dropped entirely from England’s limited-overs plans following an unsuccessful spell opening the batting, while Ben Duckett returns after missing the T20I series in New Zealand. Will Jacks is also back in both the ODI and T20 squads after missing the New Zealand tour.

There is no place for Jordan Cox or seamer Saqib Mahmood, who continues to recover from a knee injury that required surgery at the end of the 2025 home season. Zak Crawley returns to the ODI set-up for the first time since 2023, looking to build on his eight previous caps.

Despite the tight turnaround after the Ashes, England have opted not to rest their Test regulars for the Sri Lanka tour, which begins on January 22. Seven members of the ODI squad were involved throughout the Ashes, including Joe Root, who recently turned 35.

The selection underlines the importance of reviving England’s struggling white-ball fortunes under McCullum, who has faced pressure following a disappointing Ashes campaign. Since taking charge of the limited-overs sides in early 2025, McCullum has overseen mixed results, including 11 defeats in 15 ODIs, leaving England eighth in the ICC rankings and at risk of missing automatic qualification for the 2027 50-over World Cup.

A strong showing at the T20 World Cup could ease that pressure. England reached the semi-finals of the 2024 edition, losing to eventual champions India, and have previously lifted the trophy in 2010 and 2022.

England squad for Sri Lanka T20Is and provisional T20 World Cup squad:
Harry Brook (capt), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer (World Cup only), Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, Brydon Carse (Sri Lanka only), Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Josh Tongue, Luke Wood

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