James Coles has been named in England’s T20I squad for the first time ahead of the five-match India series that starts at Chester-le-Street on 1 July.
The Sussex all-rounder is the headline new face in Harry Brook’s 17-man group, with England expanding the squad to manage a tight turnaround from the third Test against New Zealand into the white-ball series.
Coles, 22, has been rewarded after a strong run for Sussex, England Lions and in T20 competitions. The left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder also became the most expensive player at the inaugural men’s Hundred auction earlier this year, underlining how quickly his stock has risen.
Coles Call-Up Adds Fresh Balance To England Squad
According to ESPNcricinfo’s report on England’s India T20I squad, national selector Marcus North said Coles had earned his place through performances with the Lions and in short-form cricket over the past 12 months.
Brook captains a squad that also includes Jos Buttler, Jofra Archer, Phil Salt, Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Adil Rashid and Rehan Ahmed. Sonny Baker, Jordan Cox and Saqib Mahmood are also included, while Jamie Overton misses out with a quad injury and Ben Duckett has been left out.
The series opens in Durham before matches at Old Trafford, Trent Bridge, Bristol and Southampton, giving Coles an immediate chance to press his case at the start of England’s next T20 cycle.
