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Jamie Overton, a Surrey all-rounder, may or may not be included in England’s T20 World Cup team, depending on the results of an unclear scan that cast doubt on the severity of a recent back injury.
After showing notable progress as a short-format all-rounder, Overton was expected to receive his first T20I call-up. Since his injury return last summer, Rob Key, England’s managing director, has been keeping an eye on Overton’s progress. Prior to Ben Stokes’ withdrawal, Overton stated he felt “close” to being selected.
However, a back problem kept him out of Surrey’s County Championship match against Kent last week, and he won’t play against Hampshire this week either because the preliminary scans produced confusing results. After a brief period of relaxation, he is scheduled for another scan in two weeks, by which time England should have chosen their provisional squad in time to satisfy the ICC’s May 1 deadline.
The England selection panel, which Key chairs, will convene in the coming days to determine the final 15-man roster. This team will probably also play Pakistan in four Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) from May 22–30. A couple things need to be worked out: Ben Duckett could be the backup batter, and Tom Hartley is probably going to get the nod as second spinner
More than a year after making his most recent appearance for his country, Jofra Archer is expected to be included in the provisional team and given the opportunity to demonstrate his fitness against Pakistan. The indeterminacy surrounding Overton’s injury might potentially pave the way for the recall of Chris Jordan. Jordan has been a reliable six-hitter over the past 12 months, but he was not included in the team that lost 3-2 to the West Indies in December.
The topic of who will keep wicket for England will also be discussed, as Buttler will find it more difficult to lead the team while keeping wicket due to the ICC’s new stop-clock and fielding fines for slow over-rates. In the last two Twenty20 Internationals of England’s Caribbean trip in December, Phil Salt donned the gloves, while Jonny Bairstow is the other alternative.
Tuesday morning is anticipated to see the announcement of England’s team. They will have until May 25, the day of the second Twenty20 International match against Pakistan, to make changes, but they will want to avoid a situation similar to the one that occurred last year when Harry Brook was unexpectedly added to their 50-over World Cup team following his original exclusion.