Picture Credit: X
Sam Curran, the 27-year-old Surrey all-rounder, has not donned an England jersey in any format since November 2024, a period that coincided with Brendon McCullum’s tenure as white-ball head coach. Once hailed as a cornerstone of England’s limited-overs setup, Curran’s form dipped, leading to his exclusion from international squads. However, his performances in domestic cricket this summer have forced selectors to take notice. Across 24 appearances in the T20 Blast and The Hundred, Curran amassed 603 runs at a blistering strike rate of 154.21 and claimed 33 wickets, showcasing his prowess.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced the T20I squads for the upcoming series against South Africa and Ireland, with all-rounder Sam Curran earning a recall after a year-long absence, while Ben Duckett has been granted a rest. The decision, revealed on Friday, September 5, 2025 comes on the heels of England’s back-to-back ODI defeats to South Africa, exposing tactical vulnerabilities.
Curran’s standout contributions for the Oval Invincibles, including a knack for delivering slower balls, has earned him a spot in both T20I squads for the six matches against South Africa (September 10, 12, 14) and Ireland (September 17, 19, 21). As England prepares for tours to New Zealand and Australia for The Ashes, the move reportedly reflects a strategic balancing act to manage player workload and optimize team composition.
It is said that lack of a fifth bowler led England to concede a target of 300+ against South Africa
Sam Curran’s recall was reportedly spurred by England’s struggles in the second ODI against South Africa at Lord’s on September 4, where the part-time spin of Jacob Bethell and Will Jacks was taken apart, conceding 112 runs in 10 overs for just one wicket. The lack of a fifth bowler left England’s attack unbalanced, a weakness Curran is poised to rectify. His ability to swing the ball and contribute explosive lower-order runs offers captain Harry Brook greater flexibility, particularly in the middle overs.
Meanwhile, Ben Duckett has been rested for both T20I series following a noticeable dip in form. Duckett looked jaded during England’s ODI series against South Africa, managing just 5 and 14 runs in the first two matches. His struggles extended to The Hundred, where he scored 123 runs in eight games for Birmingham Phoenix, a far cry from his 462 runs in nine Test innings against India earlier this summer.
Duckett’s absence reportedly opens the door for Jamie Smith and Phil Salt to open the batting against South Africa, with Will Jacks or Tom Banton likely to step in for the Ireland series. It is said that the move prioritizes Duckett’s long-term fitness, especially due to the upcoming Ashes series. His Test form, including a maiden century against Pakistan in 2022 and a high of 182 against Ireland in 2023, makes him a key asset for England’s red-ball campaign. Additionally, Jordan Cox, Curran’s Oval Invincibles teammate and The Hundred’s 2025 Player of the Tournament, has been added to the squad for Ireland series but will not feature against South Africa.
England updated squad for South Africa T20Is
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
England updated squad for Ireland T20Is
Jacob Bethell (C), Rehan Ahmed, Sonny Baker, Tom Banton, Jos Buttler, Jordan Cox, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Tom Hartley, Will Jacks, Saqib Mahmood, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Luke Wood
