England announced their 16 men squad for T20 series against South Africa

After an impressive performance in Champions Trophy 2017 thus far, England is all set to take on South Africa for a three-match T20I series in a week’s time. It has been a long season for England and the selectors have made sure to rest some players and try those who have been performing exceptionally well in the domestic circuit. In all, English selectors have made six changes in the squad which played against India this summer.

5 Uncapped Players

In total there are five uncapped players who have been picked by ECB, Lancashire dasher Liam Livingstone and Hampshire leg-spinner Nason Crane are among the 16-member squad. Livingstone has been really impressive from last 12 months which has helped him to earn an International call-up whereas Crane’s performance in North-South series after being the first overseas player since 1985 to represent New South Wales has helped him to be in the squad.

5 Players rested

Moeen Ali, Jake Ball, Adil Rashid, Joe Root and Ben Stokes are the players rested who will be playing for their respective counties in the Day-Night round of the Specsavers County Championship starting on Monday 26 June. On the other hand, Sussex left-arm fast bowler Tymal Mills suffered an injury in the IPL while playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore franchise hasn’t recovered from his back injury which has ruled him out of the contention for the series against South Africa.

Mark Wood is available for the first match, whereas Jonny Bairstow will be available for the first two matches.

James Whitaker, Chairman of Selectors said: “The IT20 series against South Africa presents us with an opportunity to incorporate several players who have come through the talent pathway into the senior group. The squad has an exciting blend of youth and experience and we are looking forward to a competitive series against strong opposition.

“With five uncapped players selected, there is undoubted talent coming through the system and we are excited to see some of these players showcase their skills at the highest level. Liam Livingstone, Dawid Malan, Tom Curran and Craig Overton have impressed for the England Lions over the past 12 months and have transferred their skills across all formats, in particular with their respective counties,” he added.

“Young leg-spinner Mason Crane is another player with great promise and he has made great strides with Hampshire this season and has added to his experience with stints in the North-South Series earlier in the season, where he took crucial wickets and even earned selection for New South Wales in Australia’s premier domestic competition the Sheffield Shield,” Whitaker said.

16-member squad for T20I series against South Africa:

Jonathan Bairstow, Sam Billings, Jos Buttler, Mason Crane, Eoin Morgan (C), Tom Curran, Liam Dawson, Alex Hales, Chris Jordan, Liam Livingstone, Dawid Malan, Craig Overton, Liam Plunkett, Jason Roy, Mark Wood, David Willey

Schedule:

Wednesday, 21 June: First T20I, Ageas Bowl, Southampton (6.30pm local)
Friday, 23 June: Second T20I, The Cooper Associates County Ground, Taunton (5pm local)
Sunday, 25 June: Third T20I, The SSE SWALEC Stadium, Cardiff (2.30pm local)