5 uncapped cricketers in England T20I squad for Proteas series

England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Monday named five uncapped players in the 16-member squad to face South Africa in the upcoming Twenty20 International (T20I) series, slated to be held on June 21-25.

According to the ECB website, all-rounders Liam Livingstone and Craig Overton, batsman Dawid Malan, medium pacer Tom Curran and leg-spinner Mason Crane are the five uncapped players named in the squad.

"Liam Livingstone and Mason Crane have been named in the 16-man squad for next week's three-match NatWest T20I series against South Africa," the statement said.

"Lancashire dasher Livingstone and Hampshire leg-spinner Crane are among five uncapped players in the squad although Middlesex opener Dawid Malan, Surrey's Tom Curran and Somerset's Craig Overton have been involved previously."

The Eoin Morgan-led side will play three T20Is against South Africa after the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy.

The ECB has also decided to rest Moeen Ali, Jake Ball, Adil Rashid, Joe Root and Ben Stokes after the ICC Champions Trophy. Pacer Tymal Mills will stay out of the squad following a back injury.

"Moeen Ali, Jake Ball, Adil Rashid, Joe Root and Ben Stokes are rested and will play for their respective counties in the inaugural day-night round of the Specsavers County Championship starting on Monday 26 June. Sussex fast bowler Tymal Mills has been ruled out through a back injury."

ECB Chairman of Selectors James Whitaker has welcomed young talents to showcase their qualities against South Africa.

"The T20I series against South Africa presents us with an opportunity to incorporate several players who have come through the talent pathway into the senior group. The squad has an exciting blend of youth and experience and we are looking forward to a competitive series against strong opposition," he said.

"With five uncapped players selected, there is undoubted talent coming through the system and we are excited to see some of these players showcase their skills at the highest level."

England squad:

Jonathan Bairstow, Sam Billings, Jos Buttler (wk), Mason Crane, Tom Curran, Liam Dawson, Alex Hales, Chris Jordan, Liam Livingstone, Dawid Malan, Eoin Morgan (captain), Craig Overton, Liam Plunkett, Jason Roy, David Willey and Mark Wood.

--IANS

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