Zak Crawley’s T20I call-up, Sam Curran’s ODI return highlight England’s squads for New Zealand tour

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England have officially announced their ODI and T20I squads for the upcoming tour of New Zealand, with Harry Brook named captain for both formats. The tour, set to take place in October and November, is a key opportunity for the team to build momentum ahead of a busy cricketing calendar, that includes Ashes in Australia. The selection committee has opted for a blend of established stars and promising young talent, signaling a focus on both immediate performance and future development.

The squads feature a mix of familiar and fresh faces. In a significant development, Kent batter Zak Crawley has earned his maiden call-up to the T20I squad, a reward for his consistent performances, especially in The Hundred. All-rounders Sam Curran and Liam Dawson make their return to the ODI setup, adding valuable depth to the team. Their inclusion highlights England’s emphasis on versatile players who can contribute with both bat and ball.

The T20I squad will be without some key players for parts of the tour due to workload management. Pacer Jofra Archer, who is a crucial asset for England, will be rested for the T20I series. Similarly, Ben Duckett and Jamie Smith will also be given a break from the shortest format, allowing them to prepare for the upcoming Test series. Meanwhile, Lancashire seamer Saqib Mahmood will miss the entire tour as he recovers from minor knee surgery.

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Meanwhile, Brook’s appointment as captain for both white-ball squads solidifies his growing influence within the team. Not to mention, he is also appointed as the vice-captain in England’s Ashes squad. The move is a clear vote of confidence from the selectors, positioning him as a long-term leader for England cricket. Brook’s aggressive batting style and strategic acumen are expected to bring a dynamic edge to the team’s approach.

The tour provides a valuable platform for new and returning players to stake their claim for a permanent spot. The inclusion of young talents like Sonny Baker and Jacob Bethell alongside experienced players like Jos Buttler and Adil Rashid creates a balanced squad. This tour will be a test of their adaptability and performance in different conditions, offering them a chance to impress the selectors and build a case for future selections.

Notably, the tour kicks off on October 18, 2025, with a three-match T20I series, followed by as many ODIs. The T20Is will be held at Hagley Oval and Eden Park, while the ODIs will take place at Bay Oval, Seddon Park, and Sky Stadium.

T20I: Harry Brook (captain), Rehan Ahmed, Sonny Baker, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler (wicketkeeper), Brydon Carse, Jordan Cox, Zak Crawley, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Luke Wood.

ODI: Harry Brook (captain), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Sonny Baker, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, Brydon Carse, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Luke Wood.

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