England Men's Cricket Squads: Preparation for Sri Lanka Tour and T20 World Cup Stay updated on the England men's cricket squads as they gear up for their upcoming tour of Sri Lanka and the T20 World Cup. With a focus on strategic training and team dynamics, the players are preparing for a series of challenging matches. Explore detailed insights on player selections, tactical approaches, and key matchups as England aims for success on the international cricket stage.
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England men’s cricket team announces squad for Sri Lanka tour
With anticipation rising for the forthcoming cricket season, the England men’s selection panel has announced the squads for the highly awaited white-ball tour of Sri Lanka. The tour will consist of six matches, comprising three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and three International Twenty20s (IT20s).
Additionally, a provisional squad has been revealed for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which is set to be co-hosted by Sri Lanka and India in early February and March.
This announcement arrives as the England men’s team prepares for a demanding schedule, focusing on honing their skills and strategies in anticipation of the World Cup.
Featuring a mix of experienced players and emerging talent, the squad is ready for an exciting challenge against Sri Lanka.
Player selections for the Sri Lanka tour
One notable inclusion is Nottinghamshire’s Josh Tongue, called up to the IT20 squad for the first time.
This selection represents a significant milestone in his career as he joins a group of exceptional players ready to represent their nation.
In contrast, Jofra Archer, the fast bowler from Sussex, has been named in the provisional T20 World Cup squad. However, he will miss the Sri Lanka tour due to ongoing rehabilitation from a left side strain sustained during the Ashes series earlier this month. His absence will be felt, but the team remains focused on strategic preparation for the upcoming matches.
Returning players
The squad welcomes back Will Jacks, an all-rounder from Surrey. After missing the recent white-ball tour in New Zealand, he has rejoined both the ODI and IT20 squads. Jacks’ versatility is expected to enhance the team’s overall performance.
Also returning is Zak Crawley from Kent, who is back in the ODI lineup for the first time since December 2025. With eight caps already, Crawley is determined to make a significant impact and contribute to the team’s success in the upcoming matches.
Match schedule and locations
The England cricket team will begin their tour on January 18, 2026, with the first One Day International (ODI) taking place on January 22 at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The matches are organized as follows:
- 1st ODI:Sri Lanka vs England – January 22, 2026
- 2nd ODI:Sri Lanka vs England – January 24, 2026
- 3rd ODI:Sri Lanka vs England – January 27, 2026
After the ODIs, the team will transition to the T20 Internationals, with matches scheduled at the Pallekele International Stadium in Kandy:
- 1st T20I:Sri Lanka vs England – January 30, 2026
- 2nd T20I:Sri Lanka vs England – February 1, 2026
- 3rd T20I:Sri Lanka vs England – February 3, 2026
Looking ahead to the T20 World Cup
Following the tour of Sri Lanka, the England men’s cricket team is preparing for the T20 World Cup. They will compete against a range of international teams in a series of matches. Notably, England will engage with Nepal, West Indies, Bangladesh, and Italy during the group stages:
- England vs Nepal:Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
- England vs West Indies:Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
- Bangladesh vs England:Eden Gardens, Kolkata
- England vs Italy:Eden Gardens, Kolkata
The England squad features a blend of experienced players, including Harry Brook, Jos Buttler, and Joe Root, positioning them for a competitive cricketing season.
With matches on the horizon, the England men’s cricket team aims to demonstrate their skill and resolve on the global stage. Their goal is to secure victories during both the Sri Lanka tour and the T20 World Cup.
