Guernsey select squad for T20 World Cup qualifier

Guernsey have selected their 15-man squad for the final round of qualifying for the 2026 T20 World Cup.It is the first time the islanders have reached the European regional final after winning their qualifying tournament last year. The squad sees one change from the side that were beaten 2-1 by Jersey in their inter-island series earlier this month as wicketkeeper-batter Alex Bushell comes in for Charlie Simmonds.Guernsey have also added highly rated 18-year-old bowler Charlie Forshaw to the squad after he missed the Jersey series because of exams."Simply put, the prize is huge - a place at the World Cup," Guernsey manager Rob Thomson said."We have all our key players, everyone is fit, they are all in great form and they are all totally focused."All the build-up so far this season, all the effort and commitment in every training session and each match, it's all geared towards this tournament. "This will be the culmination of all the hard work everyone has put in."
As well as facing Channel Island rivals Jersey, Guernsey must also go up against Italy, Scotland and hosts the Netherlands. The Scots and the hosts have both qualified for the last four T20 World Cups. At 37th in the ICC rankings, Guernsey on paper appear to be the weakest side. Italy are ranked 32nd and Jersey 28th with the favourites Scotland and the Netherlands rated 13th and 14th respectively.The Sarnians begin their campaign in the round-robin tournament against Italy on 5 July before taking on Scotland a day later.They face Jersey on 8 July before their final game against the hosts on 9 July."We have confidence in the 15 players we have selected and are looking forward to getting to the Netherlands and taking on the other four teams," Guernsey captain Ollie Nightingale, 29, said."We have tried hard to increase the depth in the squad and it feels like we're starting to see that now. We go with no pressure on us and are excited to build on the progress we have made over the last 18 months."Guernsey squad:Ollie Nightingale (capt), Martin-Dale Bradley (vice-capt), Luke Bichard, Charlie Birch, Alex Bushell, Josh Butler, Zak Damarell, Ben Ferbrache, Ben Fitchet, Charlie Forshaw, Harry Johnson, Adam Martel, Tom Nightingale, Matt Stokes, Ant Stokes.

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