England Cricket Team may include leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed for their T20 World Cup Super 8s match against New Zealand national cricket team in Colombo.
England have already secured a place in the semi-finals. However, team management wants to adapt to conditions before naming the final XI. Coaches will inspect the pitch again on Friday before making a decision.
The match will take place on the same surface where New Zealand defeated Sri Lanka earlier this week. Spin dominated that game, with 10 of the 15 wickets falling to slow bowlers. England want to prepare for similar conditions.
Bowling coach Tim Southee described the pitch as likely to be scrappy. He noted that spin has played a major role in Colombo. He also pointed out that seamers can still make an impact, as shown by Matt Henry in the previous match.
Ahmed, 21, has often been part of England squads. However, he has not played a T20 international since last September’s tour of Ireland. He has also not yet featured in a World Cup match.
He did play three one-day internationals against Sri Lanka last month at the same venue. On two occasions, he even stepped in as an opener.
If selected, Ahmed would likely replace a pace bowler, possibly Jamie Overton. England would still have pace options in Jofra Archer and Sam Curran. Their spin attack already includes Adil Rashid, Liam Dawson and Will Jacks.
Another factor is Jacob Bethell. He has not bowled in the tournament due to a finger injury. His fitness could influence England’s final balance.
With spin expected to dominate again, England must decide whether Ahmed offers the extra edge they need in Colombo.
