Summary
Cricket fans have reason to cheer as Sam Curran recalled to England T20I squad; Ben Duckett rested – a move that signals England’s intent to strengthen their white-ball side ahead of high-profile tours. This positive development gives England an opportunity to inject fresh energy into their T20I setup while providing much-needed rest to an all-format batter in Duckett.
Sam Curran’s Comeback Boosts England’s T20I Hopes
England’s selectors have made a strong statement by recalling Sam Curran, the dynamic all-rounder who last featured for the national side in November 2024 during the West Indies tour. Curran’s inclusion marks his first call-up to a white-ball squad under Brendon McCullum, and it comes at a crucial time following England’s ODI series loss to South Africa.
The 27-year-old has forced his way back into contention through sheer performances on the domestic circuit. In the 2025 T20 Blast, Curran scored 365 runs and picked up 21 wickets across 15 matches, underlining his all-round ability. His exploits didn’t stop there; he was also instrumental in Oval Invincibles’ triumph in The Hundred, contributing 238 runs and 12 wickets in just nine games.
England will hope his proven versatility can add much-needed balance to the T20I setup, particularly after part-timers like Jacob Bethell and Will Jacks were exposed by South Africa’s batting lineup in the ODIs. Curran’s return promises a stronger bowling attack and depth in the batting order.
Ben Duckett Handed a Well-Deserved Break
In contrast to Curran’s recall, England have decided to rest Ben Duckett, giving the left-hander a chance to recover both mentally and physically before back-to-back red-ball challenges. Duckett enjoyed an impressive Test series against India earlier this year, where he amassed 462 runs in five matches. However, his form has dipped since then, with only one score above 20 in his last ten innings (spanning The Hundred and ODIs).
The selectors’ decision to give Duckett a breather ahead of tours to New Zealand and Australia highlights England’s long-term planning. With the Ashes looming and workloads a serious concern, this break could help Duckett return fresher and more consistent.
Matthew Potts Withdrawn for Red-Ball Focus
Another significant update is that Matthew Potts has been withdrawn from the Ireland T20I squad. The move will allow him to play in the County Championship and push for a place in England’s upcoming Ashes squad. With Jamie Overton stepping away from red-ball cricket, Potts’ performances could make him a key candidate for England’s Test bowling unit.
Ben Duckett Rested: England’s T20I Squads Announced
vs South Africa:
Harry Brook (c), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, Brydon Carse, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Will Jacks, Saqib Mahmood, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Jamie Smith, Luke Wood.
vs Ireland:
Jacob Bethell (c), Rehan Ahmed, Tom Banton, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Will Jacks, Saqib Mahmood, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Luke Wood, Jordan Cox, Sonny Baker, Tom Hartley.
Ben Duckett Rested: Positive Outlook for England Cricket
The combination of Sam Curran’s comeback, Duckett’s strategic rest, and Potts’ red-ball focus points to a clear strategy by England’s selectors. They aim to balance immediate results in T20 internationals with long-term preparation for marquee red-ball series.
For fans, Curran’s return is not just exciting but also reassuring. As the Player of the Tournament in England’s last ICC white-ball triumph, his pedigree and form make him a game-changer. With the likes of Jofra Archer, Harry Brook, and Jos Buttler also in the squad, England’s T20I side looks stronger, sharper, and ready for challenges against South Africa and Ireland.
Final Thoughts: Ben Duckett Rested, 1 Brilliant Star Rejoins England
This recall is more than just a squad update – it’s a positive sign of England’s intent to rebuild momentum in white-ball cricket. Sam Curran’s return brings balance, experience, and flair, while Ben Duckett’s rest could help him rediscover his best form in the longer format.
With high-voltage T20 series lined up and the Ashes around the corner, England appear to be setting the stage for success across formats. Fans will be eager to see Curran in action once again, hoping he delivers the same magic that made him one of England’s most reliable match-winners.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Ben Duckett
Q1: Why has Sam Curran been recalled to the England T20I squad?
Sam Curran has been recalled because of his excellent domestic form. He scored 365 runs and took 21 wickets in the T20 Blast 2025 and also played a vital role in Oval Invincibles’ title-winning campaign in The Hundred with 238 runs and 12 wickets. England hopes his all-round ability will strengthen both batting and bowling.
Q2: When did Sam Curran last play for England?
Sam Curran last featured for England in November 2024 during the West Indies tour. His recall for the South Africa and Ireland T20Is marks his first return to the white-ball team under Brendon McCullum’s coaching setup.
Q3: Why has Ben Duckett been rested from the T20I squad?
Ben Duckett has been given a break to manage his workload and regain form. Although he scored 462 runs in the Test series against India earlier this year, his recent performances in The Hundred and ODIs have been below par. The selectors want him fresh for upcoming tours to New Zealand and Australia.
Q4: What happened with Matthew Potts in the squad selection?
Matthew Potts has been withdrawn from the Ireland T20Is so that he can play in the County Championship and push for selection in England’s Ashes squad. With Jamie Overton stepping away from red-ball cricket, Potts has a good chance of earning a Test spot.
Q5: Who are the captains for the England T20I series against South Africa and Ireland?
Harry Brook will lead England in the T20I series against South Africa, while Jacob Bethell has been named captain for the T20I series against Ireland.
Q6: Which key players are included in the T20I squad against South Africa?
The South Africa squad features Harry Brook, Jos Buttler, Jofra Archer, Sam Curran, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, and others. This lineup brings together a mix of experience and youth, aiming for a strong performance.
Q7: How does Sam Curran’s return help England?
Sam Curran’s return adds balance to the team. He provides power-hitting in the lower order and reliable left-arm pace bowling. His ability to contribute in all three departments makes him a valuable asset in England’s T20I plans.