Why Has Sam Curran Been Recalled to England's T20I Squad?

London, Sep 5 (NationPress) England has made a significant move by reintroducing all-rounder Sam Curran to their T20I squad for the upcoming matches against South Africa and Ireland, while Ben Duckett is receiving an extended rest period following a concerning drop in his performance.

Curran, who has yet to feature for England this year or under the guidance of coach Brendon McCullum, returns after an exceptional run in domestic competitions. In 24 matches during the T20 Blast and Hundred this summer, he amassed 603 runs at a striking rate of 154.21 and took 33 wickets, establishing himself as a key player.

He has been included in the squads for all six matches against South Africa and Ireland.

This recall comes in the wake of England’s challenges in dealing with spin options, as seen in Thursday's second ODI against South Africa at Lord’s, where Jacob Bethell and Will Jacks managed just 1 for 112 in 10 overs. Curran’s presence is expected to provide England with better balance in both batting and bowling.

On the other hand, Duckett has been given a brief hiatus ahead of England’s winter tours to New Zealand and Australia. The left-handed batsman, now a regular across formats, struggled during a laborious 14 runs off 33 balls at Lord’s.

Despite having scored 462 runs in nine innings during the Test series against India earlier this summer, he has only exceeded 20 runs once in his last 10 innings, including a subdued performance in the Hundred with Birmingham Phoenix. His absence presents an opportunity for Jamie Smith and Phil Salt to open the batting against South Africa, with either Jacks or Tom Banton likely to step in for the Ireland series.

In another team update, Matthew Potts has been removed from the Ireland T20Is to concentrate on his County Championship responsibilities with Durham. Following Jamie Overton’s retirement from red-ball cricket, Potts is considered a leading candidate for the Ashes squad, and England feels he will benefit more from playing Championship cricket rather than serving as a reserve in Dublin.

Jordan Cox, Curran’s teammate from the Oval Invincibles, remains in the squad for the Ireland fixtures but will not participate against South Africa. Meanwhile, Duckett is retained in the ODI squad for Sunday’s dead rubber at Southampton.

England T20I squads vs South Africa:

Harry Brook (capt), 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 T20I squads vs Ireland:

Jacob Bethell (capt), Rehan Ahmed, Sonny Baker, Tom Banton, Jos Buttler (wk), Liam Dawson, Tom Hartley, Will Jacks, Saqib Mahmood, Jamie Overton, Matthew Potts, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt (wk), Luke Wood.