England host an incredible amount of games in their summer season. After hosting New Zealand for three Tests, the English senior team are currently embroiled in an eight-match white-ball series against India. The nation just hosted the tenth edition of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup as well. All this when the domestic season is in its full flow too. Currently, the T20 Blast (England’s premier domestic T20 competition) is ongoing and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has decided to use this to get young players some game time.
England, who are 2-0 up in the T20I series against India, have sent James Coles and Rehan Ahmed to play T20 Blast games on July 8. Yes, both youngsters are part of England’s T20I team but haven’t got any opportunity to contribute so far. With the way things are going, they weren’t going to play in the 4th T20I in Bristol as well. Hence, the board has decided not to keep the two all-rounders on the bench and use this time to give them some game time for their local sides.
James Coles and Rehan Ahmed: Packed schedule
| Date | Match | Coles & Ahmed’s availability |
|---|---|---|
| July 7 | IND vs ENG 3rd T20I | Yes |
| July 8 | T20 Blast match | Yes |
| July 9 | IND vs ENG 4th T20I | Maybe |
Hence, Coles, who is making his name in the English cricket circuit recently, will turn up for Sussex, who play Surrey at Kennington Oval. Meanwhile, Rehan, who got an IPL gig with the Delhi Capitals (DC) earlier this season, will represent Leicestershire, who host Durham. Both Blast matches will begin at 11:00 PM IST on Wednesday. This development has been broken by a Telegraph journalist.
With the T20 Blast 2026 already having begun back in May, both Coles and Rehan have played a handful of games in the tournament. Coles, who has been in the news lately after his maiden ODI callup against India, has played 5 Blast matches so far and has as many wickets alongside 115 runs. Rehan, meanwhile, who has played all the three formats for England, has 87 runs and 7 wickets for Leicestershire, including a three-fer against Jonny Bairstow’s Yorkshire.
England will host India for the 4th T20I in Bristol on July 9. However, Coles will be in London, while Rehan will be in Leicestershire at that time. Hence, it is unlikely that they will be part of the team in the fourth T20I. Despite this, England still have the likes of Sonny Baker, Luke Wood, Jordan Cox and Saqib Mahmood on the bench.
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