Internet Desk: Eoin Morgan will lead England in the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 at home, with the England and Wales Cricket Board announcing the 15-man squad on Tuesday.
Mark Wood, the tall right-arm quick, who recently returned to action after an ankle surgery that had kept him out for six months, was included in the side. David Willey, the left-arm pacer, also made a return from injury, having missed playing against West Indies in March with shoulder trouble.
Both Wood and Willey are part of a strong seam attack that has Jake Ball, Liam Plunkett, Ben Stokes and Chris Woakes. Adil Rashid, the legspinner, and Moeen Ali, the offspinner, will provide the spin options.
Wood, 27, last played an international match in September 2016, and will be looking to add to his 11 caps in the format.
James Whitaker, the national selector, said it was pleasing to see Wood and Willey return from injury and add strength to a side that has already had impressive results in the past year and half.
“We have made encouraging progress over the past 18 months in white ball cricket and the squad selected reflects consistency and gives options across all disciplines,” said Whitaker. “It is pleasing that Mark Wood and David Willey have returned to full fitness. They add variety and quality to our bowling strengths and David’s ability as an attacking batsman is also an important element for us.”
England will play a two-match ODI series against Ireland in the first week of May, followed by a three-match series against South Africa in the last week of May to prepare for the ICC Champions Trophy, which starts on June 1.
“As we build-up to the ICC Champions Trophy in June, matches against Ireland and South Africa are very important in their own right as we aim to win both series,” said Whitaker.
While the squad for the Champions Trophy is the one that will take on South Africa, the ODIs against Ireland will feature Steven Finn and Ben Duckett too.
England squad for Champions Trophy: Eoin Morgan (capt), Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Jake Ball, Sam Billings, Jos Buttler, Alex Hales, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, David Willey, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood.