Two of England’s most popular cricketers, Jonny Bairstow and Moeen Ali, are facing the possibility of their international careers coming to an end as they have been omitted from the men’s white-ball squads that will be taking on Australia next month. This decision comes in the wake of disappointing World Cup campaigns that led to the departure of Matthew Mott as the white-ball head coach. Despite the lack of alternatives, Jos Buttler remains as the captain of the team.
The selection panel, led by team director Rob Key, has opted for a youthful injection into both the T20 and 50-over teams. Five uncapped players have been drafted into the T20 squad, including hard-hitting spin-bowling all-rounders Jacob Bethell and Dan Mousley. This has led to the exclusion of Moeen Ali, who was previously the vice-captain to Buttler. Bairstow, on the other hand, who was awarded a two-year contract last winter, could potentially make a comeback, but at 35 years old and having lost his Test place earlier in the summer, it will be a challenging road ahead for him.
The T20 squad includes players like Jordan Cox, Saqib Mahmood, and uncapped seamers Josh Turner and Josh Hull. The ODI squad also features some new faces like Gus Atkinson, Harry Brook, Matthew Potts, Ben Duckett, and Jamie Smith. Notably, Joe Root has been omitted from both squads, with the reason being cited as a break. Chris Woakes is also missing, and at 35 years old, he may be transitioning towards Test specialization.
The inclusion of players like Hull and Turner in both squads signifies a focus on seam bowling, with the likes of Reece Topley, Jofra Archer, and Brydon Carse also being part of the mix. Archer’s inclusion in the 50-over squad is seen as a step towards his potential return to Test cricket next year. Carse’s inclusion is noteworthy as well, as he is set to complete a three-month ban from all cricket for past betting violations.
These upcoming series against Australia not only provide an opportunity to introduce new players but also serve as a platform for interim head coach Marcus Trescothick to stake his claim for the permanent role. Trescothick, who is part of the Test setup, is expected to be among the candidates vying for the position left vacant by Matthew Mott. Overall, these selections reflect a strategic shift towards youth and potential future talent as England looks to rebuild and strengthen its white-ball squads.