Sam Billings selected in England World T20 squad

Kent wicketkeeper Sam Billings was named in England's 15-man squad for the ICC World T20 beginning next month in India.

Hampshire all-rounder Liam Dawson is the only uncapped member of the squad after impressing in the recent England Lions series against Pakistan A.

Although not originally selected for the current limited overs series against the Proteas, Dawson will travel to South Africa later this week to meet up with his teammates.

Steven Finn, who is missing the current ODI and T20 series in South Africa with a side strain, has also been included in the World T20 squad.

Seven squad members – Morgan, Ali, Buttler, Finn, Hales, Jordan, and Rashid- have previous World T20 experience.

England’s campaign begins on 16 March against West Indies with South Africa, Sri Lanka and a qualifier their other opponents in the group stages.

Former Sri Lankan batsman Mahela Jayawardene will join the coaching team for the first ten days of the tournament with former England T20 captain Paul Collingwood working alongside Trevor Bayliss, Paul Farbrace and Ottis Gibson for the duration.

National selector James Whitaker said: “The limited overs cricket played in the last eight months has been incredibly exciting to watch and these players deserve the honour of representing England at a global event.

"We have made significant progress during recent series with plenty more to come over the next few years.

“Liam Dawson has been selected after consistently strong performances for the Lions recently against Pakistan A. As a left arm spinning all-rounder he will be a very useful addition particularly in sub continent conditions.

“Congratulations to all selected and on behalf of the selectors good luck to Eoin and Trevor.”

Andrew Strauss, Director of England Cricket, said: “Mahela Jayawardene and Paul Collingwood proved very popular additions to the coaching team when they spent time with England in the UAE earlier this winter and I’m delighted that they are both able to help our T20 side.

"Their international experience, previous success at World T20 tournaments and, particularly in Mahela’s case, knowledge of conditions make them ideal resources to tap into and I have no doubt the players will gain a huge amount from having them around the dressing room.”

England ICC World T20 squad

Eoin Morgan (Middlesex, captain), Moeen Ali (Worcestershire), Sam Billings (Kent), Jos Buttler (Lancashire), Liam Dawson (Hampshire), Steven Finn (Middlesex), Alex Hales (Nottinghamshire), Chris Jordan (Sussex), Adil Rashid (Yorkshire), Joe Root (Yorkshire), Jason Roy (Surrey), Ben Stokes (Durham), Reece Topley (Hampshire), James Vince (Hampshire), David Willey (Yorkshire).