Kent captain and wicketkeeper Sam Billings has been named in the 16-player squad for The Vitality IT20 Series against Sri Lanka starting at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff on Wednesday 23 June 2021.
England IT20 Squad
Eoin Morgan (Middlesex) Captain
Moeen Ali (Worcestershire)
Jonathan Bairstow (Yorkshire)
Sam Billings (Kent)
Jos Buttler (Lancashire)
Sam Curran (Surrey)
Tom Curran (Surrey)
Liam Dawson (Hampshire)
Chris Jordan (Sussex)
Liam Livingstone (Lancashire)
Dawid Malan (Yorkshire)
Adil Rashid (Yorkshire)
Jason Roy (Surrey)
David Willey (Yorkshire)
Chris Woakes (Warwickshire)
Mark Wood (Durham)
Warwickshire all-rounder Chris Woakes returns to the squad for the first time since 2015. His last international cap in this format came in November 2015 against Pakistan.
Yorkshire seamer David Willey last played at this level in May 2019 and will be looking to add to his 28 caps.
Hampshire spinner Liam Dawson, who last played an IT20 for England in February 2018 in New Zealand, is one of three specialist spinners named.
Durham all-rounder Ben Stokes (fractured finger), Sussex seamer Jofra Archer (right elbow) and Surrey’s Reece Topley (side strain) were not considered for selection due to ongoing injuries.
England Men’s Head Coach, Chris Silverwood, said:
“With the T20 World Cup only a few months away, this summer is about perfecting our team and continue to progress on the field. We want to approach every series with an influx of players aiming to win every match and giving us the best preparation as we get closer to the tournament.
“With several high-profile players missing through injury, it allows me to look at some of our experienced players who have not featured at this level for some time. The likes of Chris Woakes and David Willey are very experienced cricketers, and to have them both in the mix is exciting and shows the depth of squad we have available.
“I want our team to play an attacking form of the game. I hope we can continue to excite the England fans with our approach.”
The England Men’s IT20 squad will report to its Cardiff base on Saturday 19 June.
The Vitality IT20 Series
1st IT20: England v Sri Lanka, Wednesday 23 June 2021, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff (6.30pm BST)
2nd IT20: England v Sri Lanka, Thursday 24 June 2021, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff (6.30pm BST)
3rd IT20: England v Sri Lanka, Saturday 26 June 2021, Ageas Bowl, Southampton (2.30pm BST)