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Sam Curran Answers England's SOS As Ben Duckett Rests From South Africa, Ireland Series

Akshita Patel

Sam Curran recalled into England's setup [Source: @TheBarmyArmy/X.com]Sam Curran recalled into England's setup [Source: @TheBarmyArmy/X.com]

England have made some big changes to their T20I squads, with all-rounder Sam Curran making a comeback and in-form batter Ben Duckett being given a much-needed break. The move comes after England’s struggles in their recent ODI loss to South Africa, where their bowling balance was badly exposed.

Curran, who has not played for England this year under Brendon McCullum’s coaching setup, has been recalled thanks to his brilliant form in domestic cricket. 

Representing Oval Invincibles in The Hundred and Surrey in the T20 Blast, Sam Curran has shown why he is considered one of England’s most valuable players. 

Sam Curran Recalled Into England’s White-Ball Setup

Across the summer, Sam Curran scored 603 runs at a strike rate of 154.21 and picked up 33 wickets, proving his worth as a genuine match-winner with both bat and ball. His inclusion will provide England with the bowling depth and flexibility they missed in their recent matches. 

The decision also comes just a day after South Africa tore through England’s part-time spin attack of Jacob Bethell and Will Jacks, who conceded 112 runs in just 10 overs. Curran’s presence will now give England a stronger death-bowling and middle-overs option, as well as a handy finisher with the bat.

On the other hand, Ben Duckett has been rested for an extra week. The left-hander, who has become a regular across formats, has been struggling badly for form in recent games. 

Despite scoring heavily in the Test series against India earlier this summer, he has looked out of touch in white-ball cricket, managing only one score above 20 in his last 10 innings. His poor show continued in the second ODI against South Africa, where he crawled to 14 off 33 balls.

With Duckett unavailable, Jamie Smith and Phil Salt are expected to open the batting in the T20Is against South Africa, while Jacks or Tom Banton could step in for the Ireland series.

England also made another change, withdrawing Matthew Potts from the Ireland T20Is so that he can focus on County Championship games for Durham. With Jamie Overton quitting red-ball cricket, Potts could now have an opening to force his way into the Ashes squad later this year.

England's Updated T20I squad vs South Africa

Harry Brook (Captain), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, Brydon Carse, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Will Jacks, Saqib Mahmood, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Jamie Smith, Luke Wood

England's Updated T20I squad vs Ireland

Jacob Bethell (Captain), Rehan Ahmed, Sonny Baker, Tom Banton, Jos Buttler, Jordan Cox, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Tom Hartley, Will Jacks, Saqib Mahmood, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Luke Wood