T20 Preview – England v New Zealand

By Andy Hyslop

  • Next up for England one off T20 International versus New Zealand
  • Jos Buttler misses out through injury
  • Chance for players to impress ahead of T20 World Cup in the winter

After winning the One-Series against New Zealand on Saturday, England head to Old Trafford to face New Zealand in the one off T20 International.

Eoin Morgan will captain a side that could contain five players that are yet to play a T20 international, Sam Billings, David Willey and Mark Wood are all in contention for starts after appearing in the one-day series, while the uncapped duo of Reece Topley and James Vince has also been included in the squad.

Jos Buttler will once again be missing after injuring in his hand as England prepared for the final one-day international, Jonny Bairstow looks set to continue to deputise for Buttler behind the stumps after his match winning innings in Saturday’s final one-day international at Durham. Bairstow wasn’t in the original squad but the ECB announced that he would stay with the squad during Saturdays match.

The other option for England would be to give Billings an opportunity behind the stumps. England will be looking to end the series of games against New Zealand on a winning note and continue will the attacking brand of cricket we saw them play in the one-day series.

 

England’s 13-Man Squad

Eoin Morgan (Middlesex) (captain)

Sam Billings (Kent) (Wicketkeeper)

Jonny Bairstow (Yorkshire) (Wicketkeeper)

Steven Finn (Middlesex)

Alex Hales (Nottinghamshire)

Adil Rashid (Yorkshire)

Joe Root (Yorkshire)

Jason Roy (Surrey)

Ben Stokes (Durham)

Reece Topley (Essex)

James Vince (Hampshire)

David Willey (Northamptonshire)

Mark Wood (Durham)

 

National selector James Whittaker believes this gives England the opportunity to look at players who are relatively new to international as England look a squad for the T20 World Cup in India this summer. He said:

“This squad is made up of players who have demonstrated their ability in domestic cricket and fully deserve a chance to continue their progress against a very good New Zealand side. We have already seen our limited overs cricket begin to move in the right direction, which is exciting but we are all aware that we have plenty more to do if we are going to challenge the very best sides in the world on a regular basis.”

The T20 between England and New Zealand will take place on Tuesday 23 June at Old Trafford, Manchester at 6:30pm BST.