England announce squad for ICC T20 World Cup 2026, Liam Livingstone, Jamie Smith dropped

Jamie Smith and Liam Livingstone were key members of the England Cricket Team in the T20I cricket.

Two-time T20 World Cup champions, England have announced a provisionary squad for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026 to be held in India and Sri Lanka. England are set to be led by Harry Brook, for the first time in a multi-team competition. Interestingly, no vice-captain has been named.

Jos Buttler, former captain will play the role of not just providing explosive starts, but also guiding Brook with decision making. Phil Salt is expected to don the gloves, with Ben Duckett retaining his place. Jofra Archer’s inclusion is subjective to his fitness, and England would hope he recovers quickly.

Will Jacks has forced his way back into the white-ball setup with consistent performances, while Sam Curran stays. Josh Tongue, meanwhile, has been rewarded with his first-ever call-up to the T20 squad, following his heroics in the fourth Ashes test match.

Ahead of the T20 World Cup, Engalnd are set to tour Sri Lanka, to play 3 ODIs, followed by 3 T20Is. They kickoff their T20 World Cup campaign on February 8 against Nepal at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

Liam Livingstone, Jamie Smith dropped from England squad for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026

The surprising news though, is the exclusion of all-rounder Liam Livingstone, who has been enjoying a decent run at ILT20. Wicket keeper Jamie Smith has also been dropped, with his poor Ashes outing possibly affecting his selection in the shortest format. Moreover, there was a potential case for a Joe Root comeback given his ability to play spin in the subcontient, but no such surprise inclusion either.

Three leg spinners have been selected for the all-important competition, led by veteran Adil Rashid, alongside Liam Dawson and Rehan Ahmed.

England’s squad for ICC T20 World Cup 2026 & Sri Lanka T20 series

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

England’s squad for Sri Lanka ODI series

Harry Brook (C), Rehan Ahmed, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Luke Wood

Note: Brydon Carse has been selected only for the Sri Lanka T20 series. Archer will miss the T20 series, and head straight to the World Cup, based on his fitness.

For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.