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Key Points

England has recalled all-rounder Sam Curran to their T20I squads for the upcoming series against South Africa and Ireland. Curran earns his recall after impressive domestic performances where he scored over 600 runs and took 33 wickets this summer. Meanwhile, Ben Duckett has been given a rest following a noticeable dip in form across all formats. These changes provide opportunities for players like Jamie Smith and Phil Salt to step up in the batting order.

Key Points: Sam Curran Recalled to England T20I Squad Ben Duckett Rested

  • Sam Curran returns after standout T20 Blast and Hundred performances
  • Ben Duckett rested following dip in form across formats
  • Curran adds spin and all-round balance to England squad
  • Jamie Smith and Phil Salt to open in Duckett's absence
3 min read

Sam Curran returns to England T20I squad; Ben Duckett handed rest

England recall Sam Curran for T20Is vs South Africa and Ireland after prolific domestic form, while Ben Duckett gets rest amid recent batting struggles.

"He scored 603 runs at a strike rate of 154.21 and claimed 33 wickets - Article on Curran's domestic form"

London, Sep 5

England have recalled all-rounder Sam Curran for their upcoming T20I series against South Africa and Ireland, while giving Ben Duckett an additional week of rest after his dramatic dip in form.

Curran, who has not played for England in any format this year or under coach Brendon McCullum, returns on the back of prolific domestic performances. Across 24 appearances in the T20 Blast and the Hundred this summer, he scored 603 runs at a strike rate of 154.21 and claimed 33 wickets, making him one of the standout performers.

He has been added to squads for all six fixtures against South Africa and Ireland.

His recall follows England’s struggles with spin options in Thursday’s second ODI against South Africa at Lord’s, where Jacob Bethell and Will Jacks combined for 1 for 112 in 10 overs. Curran’s inclusion offers England greater balance and depth in both batting and bowling.

Duckett, meanwhile, has been granted a short break before England’s winter tours of New Zealand and Australia. The left-hander, now an all-format regular, looked out of touch during a laboured 14 off 33 balls at Lord’s.

While he scored 462 runs in nine innings during the Test series against India earlier this summer, he has since passed 20 only once in 10 subsequent innings, including a quiet Hundred campaign for Birmingham Phoenix. His absence opens the door for Jamie Smith and Phil Salt to open the batting against South Africa, with Jacks or Tom Banton likely to step up in the Ireland series.

In another adjustment, Matthew Potts has been withdrawn from the Ireland T20Is to focus on County Championship duties with Durham. With Jamie Overton’s retirement from red-ball cricket leaving a vacancy in the Ashes squad, Potts is considered a strong candidate, and England believes he is better served by playing Championship cricket than travelling as a reserve in Dublin.

Jordan Cox, Curran’s Oval Invincibles team-mate, remains part of the squad to face Ireland but will not feature against South Africa. Duckett, however, stays with the ODI squad for Sunday’s dead-rubber at Southampton.

England T20I squads vs South Africa:

Harry Brook (capt), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, Brydon Carse, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Will Jacks, Saqib Mahmood, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Jamie Smith, Luke Wood.

England T20I squads vs Ireland:

Jacob Bethell (capt), Rehan Ahmed, Sonny Baker, Tom Banton, Jos Buttler (wk), Liam Dawson, Tom Hartley, Will Jacks, Saqib Mahmood, Jamie Overton, Matthew Potts, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt (wk), Luke Wood

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Duckett really needs this break. He was looking completely out of form in the India series too despite those runs. Sometimes mental fatigue affects technique more than we realize.
A
Arjun K
As an Indian cricket fan, I've always rated Sam Curran. He was brilliant against us in 2018! England's T20 squad looks much more balanced now with his return. World Cup preparation begins!
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Sarah B
Interesting to see Phil Salt getting opportunities. He was impressive in the IPL this year. England's bench strength is really something else!
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Vikram M
Why is Matthew Potts being pulled from T20s? County cricket over international exposure? Strange priority for a young bowler who needs to develop white-ball skills too.
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Nikhil C
Jofra Archer is back in the squad! That's the real news here. If he stays fit, England become instant contenders for the T20 World Cup 🏆

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