Rob Key, England men's managing director, spoke to the players selected in their provisional World Cup squad on Monday to tell them that they had been picked, and told those involved in the IPL that they will not be available for the knockout stages. The play-offs run from May 21 until May 26, clashing directly with England's Pakistan series.

Australia selectors have dropped veteran campaigner Steve Smith from their squad for the T20 World Cup and ignored calls to include Jake Fraser-McGurk despite the young batsman's sensational form in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Jonny Bairstow and Phil Salt can “absolutely” push their case to be England’s Test wicketkeeper at the T20 World Cup, says managing director Rob Key.