Tymal Mills makes surprise return in England's preliminary squad for T20 World Cup 2021

England have announced their preliminary 15-member squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Left-arm pacer Tymal Mills, who last played for England in 2017, is the only surprise inclusion. In his four T20Is for England, Mills has picked up three wickets at an economy rate of 6.78.

Mills has been excellent in the T20 Blast this season, having picked up 14 wickets at a strike-rate of 11.1.  England were not able to call upon the services of Ben Stokes as he has taken an indefinite break from the game. The Eoin Morgan-led side will also have Tom Curran, Liam Dawson and James Vince as the travelling reserves.

Speaking of Mills, England head coach Chris Silverwood said, "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."

"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."

Mills is one of three left-arm fast bowlers in the side, that already comprises Sam Curran and David Willey. Despite spin-friendly conditions expected, England have gone in with just two frontline spinners - Adil Rashid and Moeen Ali. However, Liam Livingstone too could roll his arm over when needed. They also have the left-arm orthodox option of Liam Dawson in the reserves, who has been picked ahead of Lancashire's Matt Parkinson.  

Chris Woakes also find a place in the side. Woakes returned to the England T20I side for the first time in nearly six years for the home series against Sri Lanka. Overall, he has picked up eight wickets from 10 T20Is for England since making his debut in 2011.

As a build-up to the tournament England will play four warm-up matches, including two T20Is against Pakistan on October 14 and 15 in Rawalpindi.

They have until October 10 to finalise their squad ahead of the mega event. 

England preliminary squad for T20 World Cup: Eoin Morgan (c), Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Sam Billings, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Chris Jordan, Liam Livingstone, Dawid Malan, Tymal Mills, Adil Rashid, Jason Roy, David Willey, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood

Travelling Reserves: Tom Curran, Liam Dawson, James Vince