London: Lancashire dasher Liam Livingstone and Hampshire leg-spinner Mason Crane are among five uncapped players named in the 16-man England squad for the three-match NatWest T20 series against South Africa, beginning June 21 in Southampton.
Besides the duo, Middlesex opener Dawid Malan, Surrey's Tom Curran and Somerset's Craig Overton have also been included in the squad.
Like Livingstone, they have been consistently impressive for England Lions over the past 12 months or more, while Crane is called up after impressive performances in the North-South series in March, and also during an ECB Overseas Placement in Sydney last winter, when he became the first overseas player since 1985 to represent New South Wales in the Sheffield Shield.
Reflecting on the squad, England and Wales Cricket Board ( ECB) chairman of selectors James Whitaker said it is perfect blend of young and experienced players and, therefore, they are looking forward to a competitive series against strong competition.
"With five uncapped players selected, there is undoubted talent coming through the system and we are excited to see some of these players showcase their skills at the highest level," Whitaker said.
"Liam Livingstone, Dawid Malan, Tom Curran and Craig Overton have impressed for the England Lions over the past 12 months and have transferred their skills across all formats, in particular with their respective counties," he added.
In total, there are six changes in the squad that featured in three-match T20 series against India in February.
Moeen Ali, Jake Ball, Adil Rashid, Joe Root and Ben Stokes are rested and will play for their respective counties in the inaugural day-night round of the Specsavers County Championship starting on June 26.
Sussex fast bowler Tymal Mills has also been ruled out of the upcoming T20 series due to a back injury.
Meanwhile, Durham seamer Mark Wood is available for the first match of the series and will be looking to add to his one cap he won against New Zealand in June 2015.
Jonny Bairstow will also be available for the first two matches of the series before returning to Yorkshire in preparation for the County Championship day-night match against Surrey.
The first match in Southampton will be followed by games in Taunton (June 23) and Cardiif (June 25).
England T20 squad: Eoin Morgan (capt), Jonny Bairstow (first two matches of series), Sam Billings, Jos Buttler, Mason Crane, Tom Curran, Liam Dawson, Alex Hales, Chris Jordan, Liam Livingstone, Dawid Malan, Craig Overton (last two matches of series), Liam Plunkett, Jason Roy, David Willey, Mark Wood.
