Sussex all-rounder James Coles has earned his maiden England call-up, joining the squad for next month’s T20 series against India.
The highly-rated 22-year-old's inclusion marks a significant step in his burgeoning career, following a period of standout performances across various formats.
Coles, a versatile left-arm spinner who has consistently batted in the top three for Sussex in this year’s Vitality Blast, is widely recognised as a potent three-dimensional white-ball talent.
His profile soared earlier this year, attracting the highest bid of £390,000 at the inaugural Hundred player auction for London Spirit. He also recently featured for Andrew Flintoff’s England Lions against South Africa.
The expanded 17-strong squad for the five-match series, which begins in Durham just two days after the scheduled end of the third Test against New Zealand, anticipates potential workload management.
With six T20 squad members also involved in the Test, rotation is expected.
National selector Marcus North confirmed: "James Coles is an exciting addition and has earned his place following his performances with the England Lions and in T20 competitions here and abroad during the past 12 months."
He added: "We have selected a larger squad to accommodate for the fact that this series will begin shortly after the Test series against New Zealand is due to conclude which allows us to be flexible."
Jordan Cox and Sonny Baker, who made their Test debuts last week, are also named, alongside Saqid Mahmood, who regains his place after last featuring against India in January 2025.
Meanwhile, pace bowlers Brydon Carse and Jamie Overton will miss the series, as they continue their recovery from wrist and thigh injuries respectively, sustained during their stints in the Indian Premier League.
Ben Duckett has also been omitted from the squad having been the spare batter for England during the T20 World Cup earlier this year.
England reached the semi-finals of that tournament before losing to eventual champions India.
England T20 squad: H Brook (c), R Ahmed, J Archer, S Baker, T Banton, J Bethell, J Buttler, J Coles, J Cox, S Curran, L Dawson, W Jacks, S Mahmood, A Rashid, P Salt, J Tongue, L Wood.
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