Liam Dawson
Liam Dawson

Dawson in, Denly out for England as ICC Cricket World Cup squad confirmed


Liam Dawson came in from the cold to take his place in England's World Cup squad, with Joe Denly and David Willey missing the cut.

Dawson, the Hampshire spinner, played the last of his three one-day internationals in October and was not involved in the recent 4-0 series win over Pakistan.

Both Denly and Willey were named in last month's provisional 15 but both men have seen their tournament dreams dashed.

Denly had been lined up as a utility option in the squad, a flexible batsman and a late-blooming leg-spinner, but England have used him sparingly as a bowler. Head coach Trevor Bayliss has admitted that Dawson's slow left-arm spin is more reliable and a strong show in the Royal London Cup has pushed him over the line.

Willey, meanwhile, has paid for the emergence of the exciting Jofra Archer. The Barbados-born quick was yet to make his debut when the preliminary selection was made but swiftly became a must-pick after acing his early auditions on the international stage.

The third and final alteration from the initial squad became a necessity when Alex Hales was discarded following off-field indiscretions. James Vince was added in as his replacement ahead of the Pakistan series and holds his place.

'Outstanding talent'

National selector Ed Smith called Jofra Archer an "outstanding talent" after naming him in England's squad for the World Cup.

"We've seen Jofra Archer play against Pakistan and we've seen the skills he has," Smith told Sky Sports News.

"It's pretty straightforward. He's an outstanding talent, that's clear to all of us. He has pace, bounce, skill."

Jofra Archer celebrates for England
Jofra Archer celebrates for England

Smith confirmed he had told Willey of the news on Monday.

It will have been a crushing blow for the Yorkshire left-armer, a mainstay of England's limited-overs sides over the last four years.

"I spoke to David, he's an outstanding man," Smith added. "He's very honest, dignified. He's a very impressive man and cricketer.

"The new-ball area is strong and David Willey was unfortunate. He could easily have been in the World Cup squad, he deserved to be in.

"It was a very difficult situation we were in as a panel. We had more players than we were allowed."

England's World Cup squad

Jason Roy (Age 28, Caps 76)

Increasingly tipped for Test honours and an Ashes call later this summer, the Surrey man has unfinished business with the white ball first. Roy is in career-best form and his uninhibited hitting sets the tone for the team's foot-to-the-floor approach.

Jonny Bairstow (29, 63)

England's leading ODI run-scorer in 2018, and one of only three in world cricket to pass the 1,000 mark alongside Indian duo Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. A voracious worker who thrives when he feels there is a point to prove.

Joe Root (28, 132)

The country's all-seasons anchor, Root is the glue that often holds the innings together and the batsman most able to move fluidly between the gears. His 14 one-day hundreds are an English record.

Eoin Morgan (32, 222, captain)

Arguably England's most authoritative one-day skipper ever, the Dubliner's clarity and calmness are a true trump card. Morgan has his side's complete trust and remains capable of bruising interventions with bat in hand.

Jos Buttler (28, 131, wicketkeeper)

When the mood takes him few on the planet can match his dizzying ball-striking ability. A 360-degree hitter, capable of blasting relentlessly down the ground or leaning on his wide array of ramps and scoops. Plenty on his plate as gloveman and vice-captain.

Ben Stokes (27, 84)

The beating heart of the England set-up, though his numbers do not always match his value to the side. Relocated his run-scoring form at Trent Bridge but his readiness to get through a full allocation as a bowler is open to question. Fearless but needs no reminding of his heartbreak in the final of the T20 World Cup in 2016.

James Vince (28, 10)

Had been expecting to watch the tournament unfold at a distance until Alex Hales' off-field transgressions opened up a vacancy for a versatile batting option. The Hampshire captain fits the bill well but has yet to show he can kick on to a major score.

Moeen Ali (31, 96)

A sound contributor across the formats, the all-rounder's primary role these days involves using his accurate off-breaks to contain and constrict through the middle overs. Willing and able to chip in with lower-order cameos but no longer a reliable run-getter.

Chris Woakes (30, 88)

Has established himself as the go-to powerplay bowler and de facto leader of the attack over the past four years. Long-term knee problems made an unwanted reappearance over the winter but his five-wicket haul in last game against Pakistan removed lingering doubts.

Liam Plunkett (34, 82)

A remarkable 14 years on from his England debut, the elder statesman of the side faces renewed competition for his starting spot. To keep it he will need to prove he is still able to finding the top end of his pace range but who would adequately fill his niche of operating effectively through the middle of the innings?

Adil Rashid (31, 88)

Whisper it, but if England are to lift the trophy for the first time the softly-spoken, oft-misunderstood leg-spinner could be the likeliest hero of the hour. Rashid is the most prolific wicket-taker since the last World Cup and his googly has never been in better order.

Tom Curran (24, 17)

A brilliant showing in Australia's Big Bash League looks to have elevated the Surrey man to a new level and he has never seemed more settled on the big stage. Loves to bowl his pick'n'mix selections at the death and a dangerous lower order hitter.

Jofra Archer (24, 3)

Left out of the preliminary squad when uncapped as a matter of good housekeeping, it did not take long for the Barbados-born tyro to become a must-pick. Generates serious pace from a gentle glide to the crease and has endless tricks up his sleeve.

Mark Wood (29, 41)

Fearing for his England future after a flat tour of Sri Lanka, the Durham quick roared back with a career-making trip in the West Indies. His troublesome ankle restricted him to one appearance against Pakistan but by hitting 94mph after just a few balls, he proved himself a unique weapon.

Liam Dawson (29, 3)

Has not been involved since picking up a side strain on the Sri Lanka tour in October. Dawson was not included in the expanded 17-man squad that defeated Pakistan but continued to perform impressively for Hampshire and his left-arm spin was ultimately deemed a safer bet than Joe Denly's leg-breaks.

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