Who’s in, who’s out, who could make it? England’s preparations for T20 World Cup ramp up

England are 11 months away from kicking off their T20 World Cup campaign and look to be heading into the competition in great shape.

Their preparations are set continue on Friday when they begin a white-ball series against South Africa as players look to make their claim for a spot on the plane to Australia.

Let’s take a look at who is certain to go, who could go, and who is an outside shot to make the squad.

Certainties – Jos Buttler, Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow, Eoin Morgan, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid and Ben Stokes

There are a number of players who are all but certain to make the squad, providing there are no fitness issues or any other problems.

These players are nailed on to play unless form goes or they are unavailable for any other reasons. Included in this group are Jos Buttler, Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow, Eoin Morgan, Jofra Archer, all of whom won the 50 over World Cup in 2019 at Lord’s and are a key part of both white-ball sides.

Credit: England Cricket

All of these players have performed for England at the highest level in the past and have all had a taste of franchise tournaments throughout the world, including the IPL whilst being trusted by captain Morgan.

There is still a debate to be had about where certain players bat in the order, particularly Bairstow, Stokes and Buttler who all opened at times in the IPL with mixed success and with the embarrassment of riches at England’s disposal it will be interesting to see what way they go moving forward.

In the form of Buttler and Stokes in particular they also have strong leaders who could also come into the position of captain, should Morgan ever need to miss out for any reason at the tournament.

Likely to make it – Dawid Malan, Moeen Ali, Tom Curran, Chris Jordan, Mark Wood

This group of players are highly likely to be in the squad and even Dawid Malan, the current top ranked T20 batsmen, isn’t assured of his place despite his incredible record in the format due to the quality which England have at their disposal, although it would come as shock to see him miss out.

Four of the other five were also a part of the squad which won the 50 over tournament last year and would all count themselves unlucky if they weren’t to make the squad in ten months time.

Chris Jordan and Mark Wood have been particularly reliable for England in the death overs and will be a key part of the squad you would think, with Wood’s pace likely to be a great option for England in Australia – you would think his bowling would be well suited to conditions down under.

Moeen Ali and Tom Curran are also two players who should make the squad but due to the tournament being in Australia, the selectors may decide against two spinners.

As for Curran, his reputation is continuing to grow and he has a strong record down under which will be in the selector’s minds when they choose the squad for the tournament and he should make the plane.

Can press a claim – Joe Root, Tom Banton, Sam Billings, Sam Curran, Reece Topley, Chris Woakes, Lewis Gregory, Liam Livingstone, 

There are also a handful of players who will use the series coming up against South Africa to push a claim to make the squad with England likely to take up to eighteen players to Australia.

? TEAM BUTTLER WIN ?

Sam Curran (45no from 18 balls) & Joe Root (45no from 26 balls) take side to target of 140 against Team Morgan in 12.4 overs for six-wicket win?

England begin three-match T20I series vs South Africa live on Sky Sports Cricket from 3.30pm on Friday ?

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) November 23, 2020

Joe Root is perhaps the most interesting of these, having been left out of the squad, but is in the ODI squad and showed form for Yorkshire at the back end of the last domestic season and scored runs in the inter squad practice game, making an unbeaten 45 to stake his claim, while Sam Curran also impressed, making a rapid 45 from just 18 balls to really show what he is capable of.

From the other players listed, Sam Billing is the most likely to force a way into the squad, having been in a number of the squads in recent times and on the whole has performed well when selected. Tom Banton is another player who has a chance, although he is only a reserve for this series but should any issues come about with players nearer the tournament then there’s every chance he could make it as a back up batsman.

It is going to be tricky for the likes of Lewis Gregory and Liam Livingstone to force a way through but if they can show some strong form for their counties next summer then they can continue to put the pressure on those in front of them.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 10: Chris Woakes of England in bowling action during an England Net Session at Emirates Old Trafford on September 10, 2020 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images for ECB)

Chris Woakes would have a strong chance of making it, due to his quality with the ball, but has found it tough in all forms abroad, so this is perhaps why he has an outside chance of making it, Topley is another who could make it but is in his first squad for four years due to some strong form for Surrey this season.

There is time for other players to also put their name forward but with the group looking settled, it is looking difficult for anyone to break through at this point.

Overall, England have plenty of options at their disposal and it’s going to be interesting to see who can steak a claim to make the squad ahead of next year’s tournament.

England’s first T20 gets underway at 4pm UK time on Friday afternoon at Newlands.

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