Jafer Chohan Makes England Debut as Jos Buttler Returns to Captaincy
A New Era Begins for England Cricket with Fresh Talent and Experienced Leadership
Leg-spinner Jafer Chohan has received his first call-up to the England cricket squad for the upcoming white-ball tour of the West Indies, marking a significant milestone in his career. The 22-year-old has been in impressive form, claiming 22 wickets in 23 T20 Blast matches for Yorkshire, including 17 wickets in just 10 games this season. He is notably the first graduate of the South Asian Cricket Academy (SACA) to be selected for an England squad, a testament to his hard work and talent.
This tour will also see the return of Jos Buttler as captain after a calf injury sidelined him since August. Buttler’s leadership comes at a pivotal time for the team, following a thorough review of England’s setup after their T20 World Cup campaign, which led to head coach Matthew Mott stepping down. Under Buttler’s guidance, England will aim to bounce back after a mixed series against Australia last month, where they drew the T20 series but lost the ODI series 3-2.
The first of three ODIs against the West Indies kicks off on October 31 in Antigua, followed by five T20 matches. The squad remains consistent for both formats, with Hampshire fast bowler John Turner and Warwickshire all-rounder Dan Mousley joining Chohan as uncapped players.
Who Is Jafer Chohan?
Jafer Chohan’s journey to this call-up has been nothing short of remarkable. Just two years ago, the London-born cricketer found himself playing club cricket in Loughborough, convinced that his professional dreams had slipped away after failing to secure a contract with Middlesex, his childhood county. However, a net bowling session with England’s T20 squad caught the eye of Joe Root, leading him to SACA and ultimately a contract with Yorkshire.
His performances in the T20 Blast earned him a wildcard selection for The Hundred in 2023, further showcasing his potential. “It feels like an absolute dream to be selected. It’s what I’ve worked for my whole life,” Chohan shared with Yorkshire CCC. “This is a fantastic opportunity to learn from some of the best players in the world and sharpen my game.”
Chohan credits SACA for providing him with a second chance, demonstrating that there are multiple pathways to professional cricket beyond the traditional county academy route. After struggling to secure a county deal, he immersed himself in studying leg-spin on YouTube, and he received invaluable guidance from England’s Adil Rashid and his brother, Amar.
“My skillset is unique and a bit different from what England has had before,” Chohan explained. “I’m confident in my game and love to express myself through my bowling. This new environment will allow me to thrive.”
Adil Rashid recently highlighted Chohan’s potential, emphasizing the healthy competition among emerging spinners. “Hopefully, we can nurture someone who’s very good and can become the best,” Rashid stated.
As England looks ahead to the West Indies tour, the blend of youthful talent and experienced leadership under Buttler sets the stage for an exciting chapter in English cricket.