T20 World Cup 2021: England name 15-man preliminary squad for upcoming tournament as Tymal Mills is included after five-year absence

Tymal Mills has earned an England recall for the first time in over five years with the fast bowler named in their T20 World Cup 2021 preliminary squad for this autumn’s tournament.

Mills returns to the international set-up for the first time since February 2016.

The left-arm fast bowler has impressed this summer, helping Southern Brave to the men’s title in the Hundred’s inaugural year.

The 29-year-old has also shone for Sussex – with the county in the Vitality T20 Blast Finals Day at Edgbaston later this month.

As a result of his form, England head coach Chris Silverwood says Mills is fully deserving of his place.

‘Tymal Mills deserves his inclusion and has demonstrated over the past couple of years – but particularly this summer – that he has all skills to succeed at this level,’ said Silverwood.

‘His exceptional pace is a standout, and the way he has spearheaded Sussex and Southern Brave’s respective attacks in the short-form game has shown that he relishes the pressures of the big stage.

‘He will add variety to our bowling unit and we can’t wait to see him play in a major international tournament.’

All-rounder Ben Stokes was not available for selection as he continues to take an ‘indefinite break’ from cricket for his mental wellbeing.

England have until October 10 to finalise their squad and will make a decision on Stokes’ involvement as late as possible.

Eoin Morgan captains the squad, the No 1-ranked nation, with the tournament taking place in the United Arab Emirates and Oman from October 17 to November 14.

England preliminary ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Squad

Eoin Morgan – captain (Middlesex), Moeen Ali (Worcestershire), Jonathan Bairstow (Yorkshire), Sam Billings (Kent), Jos Buttler (Lancashire), Sam Curran (Surrey), Chris Jordan (Sussex), Liam Livingstone (Lancashire), Dawid Malan (Yorkshire), Tymal Mills (Sussex), Adil Rashid (Yorkshire), Jason Roy (Surrey), David Willey (Yorkshire), Chris Woakes (Warwickshire), Mark Wood (Durham).

Travelling reserves: Tom Curran (Surrey), Liam Dawson (Hampshire), James Vince (Hampshire).