England vs South Africa: Sam Curran to Bat in Top Half in T20I Series, Confirms McCullum

England's T20I Squad Changes Announced

England's cricket team is set to face South Africa and Ireland in two T20I series in the next two weeks. However, the absence of Jamie Smith and Ben Duckett, who have been regular members of the team, has been confirmed. Despite the official nomination not yet being announced (as of September 2025, the squads are usually announced close to the series), the likelihood of replacements can be predicted based on previous selections and England's T20I philosophy.

Who's Out?

Jamie Smith, a wicketkeeper-batter who has been considered but is yet to secure a regular spot in T20Is.
Ben Duckett, a left-handed all-rounder, a key player in England's white-ball teams.

Likely Substitutes

Wicketkeeper / Batter

Jos Buttler is a regular starter as a keeper and opener (assuming fit). Phil Salt is another wicketkeeper-batter who regularly features in the squad. Harry Brook (universal talent, batter) and Will Jacks (opening batter, offspinner) are also well-prepared to step in when needed.

Allrounder

Joe Root plays international Twenty20 less frequently, but remains an option. Liam Livingstone (power hitter, spinner) is a fixture. Moeen Ali (allrounder, captain) is also in the mix. Sam Curran (left-arm, batter/bowler), Reece Topley (left-arm, bowler), Jofra Archer (fast bowler, when fit) are in contention for the bowling allrounder positions.

Newcomers / Reserves

Jordan Cox (Kent, promising season in the T20 Blast), Adam Rossington (wicketkeeper-batter at Essex), Daniel Bell-Drummond (opening batter, in good form), Will Smeed (Somerset, young talent), Matt Critchley (leg-spinner/batter) – all these could be surprise inclusions.

Experts' Opinion

The English T20I team often relies on aggressive batting and variable bowling allrounders. Therefore, the jump for young, offensive-minded players from the T20 Blast is always possible. Top favourites for the substitute positions are:

Jordan Cox (as a wicketkeeper-batter, if a replacement for Smith is needed)
Will Jacks (as a replacement for Duckett, who can also take the opening role)
Phil Salt (already in the squad, but as a wicketkeeper-batter, another option)
Liam Livingstone and Sam Curran (already established, but for allrounder positions)

John Turner (fast bowler) and Adam Lyth (opening batter) are other candidates, but they have been less frequent in recent selections.

In Summary

Although the official nomination is yet to be made, the most likely replacements from the English pool are currently Jordan Cox (wicketkeeper/batter), Will Jacks (batter/spinner), Phil Salt (wicketkeeper/batter), and bowling allroundersReece Topley or Brydon Carse (fast bowler). Young talents like Will Smeed or Daniel Bell-Drummond could provide a surprise inclusion.

Once the squad is officially announced, there will be clarity. Until then, it remains exciting to see how the English selectors will choose their team for the series against South Africa and Ireland!

McCullum has acknowledged a decline in Curran's recent performance.
England have been without Ben Duckett, Jamie Smith, and Harry Brook for their upcoming T20Is.
Sam Curran will bat in the top six for England in their upcoming T20I series.
With the T20 World Cup approaching, Brendon McCullum is seeking solutions to deal with England's busy schedule.
Sam Curran will bat in the top six for England against South Africa.
McCullum's message to Curran emphasizes the opportunities presented by the resting of Duckett and Smith.
McCullum has spoken with Ben Duckett and Jamie Smith, who will take a break from the team.
McCullum believes the rest of the team will benefit from the opportunities given to other players.
McCullum has expressed excitement about seeing what Curran brings to the side.
England's busy schedule includes a tour to New Zealand for a white-ball series before the start of the Ashes in November.
The upcoming T20I series against South Africa will start on Wednesday in Cardiff.
Duckett and Smith will miss the series against South Africa as well as the trip to Ireland.
England suffered a 2-1 ODI series defeat to South Africa but won the final match with a record-breaking 342-run triumph at the Rose Bowl.

England vs South Africa: Sam Curran to Bat in Top Half in T20I Series, Confirms McCullum