Fresh from an intense and closely fought five-Test home series against India, England have now turned their attention to upcoming limited-overs challenges.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Friday confirmed the squads for the one-day and T20 international series against South Africa and Ireland, signaling a mix of experienced performers and promising new faces.
With the red-ball portion of the summer concluded, focus now shifts to three ODIs and three T20Is against South Africa, starting on September 2 at Headingley. This home engagement will be immediately followed by a short trip to Ireland, where the side will play three T20Is in Malahide from September 17.
Harry Brook, who took over as England’s white-ball captain following the ICC Champions Trophy earlier in the year, will continue to lead the team during the South Africa matches. For the Ireland leg, however, Brook will be rested, with 21-year-old Jacob Bethell appointed captain.
Luke Wright, England men’s selector, praised Bethell’s leadership credentials, noting that the Ireland series offers a valuable chance for him to develop further on the international stage. Bethell is poised to become the youngest captain in England men’s history, surpassing Monty Bowden, who led the side at 23 years and 144 days in a Test match against South Africa in 1889.
One of the most notable returns is that of fast bowler Jofra Archer, who has been named in both the ODI and T20I squads for the South Africa series. Archer’s recent comeback to Test cricket after a four-year absence was a highlight of the summer, and his inclusion strengthens England’s pace attack. Another exciting development is the maiden call-up for 20-year-old pacer Sonny Baker, who will feature in the ODI squad against South Africa and the T20Is in Ireland.
England Squads
ODIs vs South Africa: Harry Brook (c), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Sonny Baker, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Saqib Mahmood, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jamie Smith.
T20Is vs South Africa: Harry Brook (c), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, Brydon Carse, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Saqib Mahmood, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Jamie Smith, Luke Wood.
T20Is vs Ireland: Jacob Bethell (c), Rehan Ahmed, Sonny Baker, Tom Banton, Jos Buttler, Liam Dawson, Tom Hartley, Will Jacks, Saqib Mahmood, Jamie Overton, Matthew Potts, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Luke Wood.