James Coles has been named in England’s 17-player squad for the Vitality IT20 series against India, earning his first senior men’s call-up as Harry Brook prepares to captain the side in July.
The England and Wales Cricket Board confirmed the squad 13 hours ago, with the Sussex all-rounder included after what national selector Marcus North described as strong performances for England Lions and in T20 competitions over the past year. The update also confirms Jordan Cox, Sonny Baker and Saqib Mahmood are back in the group, while Brydon Carse and Jamie Overton are unavailable through injury, according to the ECB’s squad announcement.
Coles call gives England a flexible India option
Coles’ inclusion is the freshest selection point because it adds a new left-handed all-round option to an England squad that already includes established white-ball names such as Jos Buttler, Jofra Archer, Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Phil Salt and Adil Rashid.
The five-match series begins at Banks Homes Riverside in Chester-le-Street on Wednesday 1 July before moving to Emirates Old Trafford, Trent Bridge, Bristol and the Utilita Bowl. England have named a larger squad because the India series starts shortly after the Test series against New Zealand is due to finish, giving Brook and the selectors room to manage workload and late availability.
For Coles, the immediate significance is clear: he has moved from Lions and domestic form into the senior England conversation before a high-profile India series.
