NCCC News : Hales And Gurney Named In England Squads To Face Sri Lanka

England Selectors today announced Harry Gurney in their 13-man squad for the sole NatWest International T20 against Sri Lanka at the Kia Oval, and 14-man squad for the first three of the five-match Royal London One-Day series beginning on May 22.

Alex Hales has also been named in the T20 squad, retaining his place after becoming England’s first T20 centurion, scoring a colossal 116 against Sri Lanka in the recent ICC World Twenty20 in Bangladesh.

Michael Lumb misses out on selection entirely, after being a mainstay of England’s T20 squad in recent years.

Gurney’s selection follows a winter of flirtation with the England squad, firstly as a net bowler as part of England’s Ashes preparations, then named for their spring tour of the West Indies.

A full call up for England’s one-off One Day International against Scotland followed, bowling four overs for 20 runs.

With Stuart Broad ruled out of the series through injury, Eoin Morgan will captain the side over the coming weeks.

"Playing the World T20 Champions in front of a home crowd is a hugely exciting opportunity for this squad,” said National Selector James Whitaker.

“With Stuart currently unavailable we have chosen Eoin to lead the side and I would like to wish him and the rest of the squad all the very best.

"We are entering an important period of 50-over cricket with a World Cup less than nine months away and this series against a skilful Sri Lankan side offers a chance to regain some momentum and for players to demonstrate the skill and passion we will need if we are to be serious contenders next year in Australia and New Zealand."

England T20 squad

Eoin Morgan (Middlesex) (Capt)

Moeen Ali (Worcestershire)

Ian Bell (Warwickshire)

Ravi Bopara (Essex)

Tim Bresnan (Yorkshire)

Jos Buttler (Lancashire)

Michael Carberry (Hampshire)

Harry Gurney (Nottinghamshire)

Alex Hales (Nottinghamshire)

Chris Jordan (Sussex)

Joe Root (Yorkshire)

James Tredwell (Kent)

Chris Woakes (Warwickshire)

England ODI squad (Matches 1-3)

Alastair Cook (Essex) (Capt)

James Anderson (Lancashire)

Gary Ballance (Yorkshire)