Tymal Mills has been picked in England’s squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, taking place in Oman and the UAE from 17 October. Mills last played for England in T20Is back in February 2016. He has been added after an excellent show in the Vitality T20 Blast for Sussex, and the inaugural edition of Men’s Hundred for Southern Brave.
Meanwhile, Ben Stokes was not available for selection. Stokes continues his ‘indefinite break’ from all cricket for his mental wellbeing. England have until 10 October to finalise their squad from the preliminary roster to make a decision on Stokes’ involvement. There is no place for Joe Root either.
England have also added Chris Woakes, who last played against Sri Lanka earlier this summer. Before that, he had not been featured in a T20I match since November 2015.
Along with Mills, there are two other left-arm seamers – Sam Curran and David Willey – in the squad. But despite the spin-friendly nature of the conditions in the UAE, England have gone for only two spinners – Adil Rashid and Moeen Ali. Liam Livingstone can spin, but he is not a regular option.
Among the standby options, Tom Curran, Liam Dawson and James Vince have made the cut.
England will go up against defending champions West Indies on 23 October in their opening match., at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai.
England T20 World Cup squad: Eoin Morgan (c), Jonny Bairstow (wk), Moeen Ali, Sam Billings, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Chris Jordan, Liam Livingstone, Dawid Malan, Tymal Mills, Adil Rashid, Jason Roy, David Willey, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood.
Reserves: Tom Curran, Liam Dawson, James Vince