Archer, Bethell named in England’s provisional squad for T20 World Cup

Barbadians Jofra Archer and Jacob Bethell have been included in England’s 15-man provisional squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup. Archer has been named in the squad despite suffering a side strain in the third Test of the Ashes last month, which ruled him out of the remainder of the series.

The 30-year-old fast bowler left Australia on Boxing Day evening, after day one of the fourth Test in Melbourne, and is currently recovering in Barbados under the supervision of the ECB’s medical team.

Meanwhile, the 22-year-old Bethell’s inclusion has come as no surprise. The all-rounder became England’s youngest ever captain when he was appointed to lead the T20I side against Ireland in September. Since making his debut in 2024, Bethell has played 20 T20Is and scored 392 runs at an average of 30.15.

ENGLAND SQUAD:

Harry Brook (captain), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Josh Tongue, Luke Wood.