Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow dropped from England's white-ball squad? Check details

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is anticipated to make significant changes to their white-ball squad following disappointing performances in recent tournaments. After a lackluster showing in the ODI World Cup 2023 and an underwhelming performance in the T20 World Cup 2024, there are growing calls within the management for a major overhaul. This potential shake-up could lead to veteran players such as Jonny Bairstow and Moeen Ali being dropped from the squad, as the team seeks to rejuvenate its lineup. The situation has been further complicated by the team's semi-final exit in the T20 World Cup, which raised questions about the future of Jos Buttler as captain of the white-ball formats. The uncertainty surrounding Buttler's leadership was exacerbated by the resignation of head coach Matthew Mott, adding additional pressure on the England captain.

As England prepares to announce their squad for the upcoming series against Australia, the cricketing world is keenly watching to see whether Buttler will retain his role as captain or if the ECB will opt for a change in leadership. The announcement of the squad for the Australia series is expected to provide more clarity on the direction the ECB will take. With the Champions Trophy on the horizon, the decision will be crucial in shaping England's approach and strategy moving forward.

According to a report by The Telegraph, Jacob Bethell is set to receive his debut call-up for the Australia series. The 20-year-old has made a notable impact in domestic cricket, having played 16 List A matches and 44 T20 games. In these formats, Bethell has amassed 339 runs in List A cricket and 731 runs in T20s. Additionally, he has taken 22 wickets in white-ball cricket, showcasing his all-round capabilities.

Bethell's inclusion in the squad signifies a potential shift in England’s white-ball strategy, which could lead to the departure of seasoned player Moeen Ali from the setup. The young talent’s impressive performances at the domestic level have earned him this opportunity, as England looks to infuse fresh energy into their squad. The decision to bring in Bethell highlights the team's intent to explore new options and possibly pave the way for changes in their current lineup, especially in light of recent disappointing performances in international tournaments.

Jonny Bairstow, instrumental in England’s triumphant ODI World Cup campaign in 2019, has seen a dramatic decline in form over the past two ICC tournaments. His recent performance has been underwhelming, leading to his exclusion from Test cricket. Given his struggles and the need for a renewed approach, it’s increasingly likely that England will seek alternatives to Bairstow for their white-ball setup.

While Bairstow’s future in the squad appears uncertain, the management might turn to Jamie Smith as a potential replacement. Smith has impressed with his performances in Test cricket, suggesting he could be a strong candidate to step into a white-ball role. His consistent showing at the domestic level makes him a promising option as England contemplates reshuffling its squad.

In addition to Bairstow and Moeen Ali, Liam Livingstone’s position is also under scrutiny. The ECB is considering the inclusion of Saqib Mahmood, a talented all-rounder from Warwickshire. Mahmood's profile has caught the attention of the selectors due to his dynamic capabilities with both bat and ball. As England prepares for the upcoming series against Australia, starting on September 11, the team is likely to experiment with new combinations and roles. The inclusion of players like Mahmood could signal a significant shift in England’s approach, as they aim to reinvigorate their white-ball cricket performance.