England Squad For ICC World Cup 2023 Announced, Jofra Archer's Exit Confirmed

The England Cricket Board (ECB), on Wednesday (August 16), announced the preliminary England squad for the upcoming ICC World Cup 2023. The 13th edition of the World Cup is scheduled to be played in India this year from October 5 to November 19.

England are the reigning champions and have the opportunity to become only the third team after West Indies and Australia to defend their World Cup crown. England, who are also the reigning T20 world champions, will begin their campaign in the ODI World Cup on October 5 against New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Before going to India for the World Cup, England are scheduled to play a four-match ODI series against New Zealand. While announcing the squad for the series, England selector Luke Wright confirmed the same 15-member squad named to take on the Black Caps is also the provisional World Cup squad.

Preliminary England squad for ICC World Cup 2023:

England have announced a 15-member provisional squad for the forthcoming ICC ODI World Cup. Allrounder Ben Stokes has been named in the team as he decided to come out of retirement just in time to play the World Cup. Stokes had announced his retirement from the 50-over format in July last year.

Two notable omissions from the team are Jofra Archer and Harry Brook. Archer was England’s highest wicket-taker at the 2o19 World Cup and is currently recovering from an elbow injury. With Archer sidelined, highly-rated pacer Gus Atkinson has earned his maiden call-up from the senior England team.

“This is the squad we are going to put forward,” Wright said.

“It’s incredibly hard on some players that are going to miss out. It shows the strength and depth we have in English Cricket and there are other names who are knocking on the door as well.

“With the balance of the squad, and with only fifteen that you can name it’s incredibly tough. The return of Ben Stokes only adds to that quality with his match-winning ability and leadership. I am certain that every fan will enjoy seeing him back in an England ODI shirt again,” he added.

All the ten participating teams in the World Cup need to submit their provisional World Cup squad to the ICC by September 5 while further changes can be made up until 28 September.

England’s provisional squad for the World Cup: Jos Buttler (captain), Moeen Ali, Gus Atkinson, Jonny Bairstow, Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone, Dawid Malan, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, Reece Topley, David Willey, Mark Wood, Chris Woakes.