England have named a 17-player squad led by Harry Brook for the T20 series against India, with uncapped all-rounder James Coles included in the squad for the first time after strong performances for the England Lions and across all domestic T20 leagues. In 71 T20 matches, Coles has scored 1,373 runs at an average of 28.60 and has also taken 53 wickets at an economy rate of 8.27.

Earlier this month, Coles further strengthened his claim by scoring 224 not out for Sussex in a County Championship match against Glamorgan in Hove. National selector Marcus North praised Coles as a standout inclusion, highlighting his consistent performances across multiple formats and competitions over the past 12 months.

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“James Coles is an exciting player and has earned his place with the England Lions following his performances in T20 competitions here and abroad over the last 12 months,” North said.

Cox, Baker, Saqib returns

The selection reflects a mix of youth and experience, with Jordan Cox, Sonny Baker and Saqib Mahmood returning to the set-up after missing the Men’s T20 World Cup earlier this year. However, England will be without Brydon Carse and Jamie Overton, both ruled out through injury, leading to adjustments to the team’s balance and overall depth.

Jofra Archer and Sam Curran add firepower with ball and bat, while Jos Buttler, Phil Salt and Tom Banton strengthen the wicketkeeping and top-order options. Rehaan Ahmed, Adil Rashid and Liam Dawson provide depth to the spin along with Will Jack and Jacob Bethel.

North, who is also a former Australian cricketer, said the larger team size offers greater flexibility, especially as the series against New Zealand begins soon after the conclusion of England’s Test commitments.

North said, “We have selected a larger squad to accommodate the fact that this series will start immediately after the Test series against New Zealand ends, which allows us to be flexible.”

The five-match T20 series between England and India will be played in Chester-le-Street, Manchester, Nottingham, Bristol and Southampton. The series begins on July 1 and concludes on July 11 at the Utility Bowl.

England team for T20 series against India

Harry Brook, Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Sonny Baker, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethel, Jos Buttler, James Cole, Jordan Cox, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Will Jaques, Saqib Mahmood, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Josh Tongue, Luke Wood.

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