T20 World Cup: England consider Rehan Ahmed for New Zealand match in Colombo

England will consider bringing in leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed for the T20 World Cup Super 8s match against New Zealand in Colombo.

England, who are already through to the semi-finals, will wait for another look at the pitch on Friday before naming their XI.

The match will be played on the same surface as New Zealand beat Sri Lanka on Wednesday, when 10 of the 15 wickets fell to spin, and England are keen to cover all options.

Bowling coach Tim Southee said he expects a “pretty scrappy” wicket.

“We’ve seen spin play such a big part here,” Southee said.

“It’s such a big ground. That doesn’t mean seamers can’t still have an impact – like [New Zealand seamer] Matt Henry last night.”

Ahmed, 21, has been a regular around England squads but has not played a T20 since the tour of Ireland last September, nor has he featured at a World Cup.

He played in the three one-day internationals against Sri Lanka last month, also held on this ground, and twice filled in as an opener.

The leg-spinner would likely replace a pace bowler if he is selected – possibly Jamie Overton.

New Zealand picked only two pace bowlers in their win over Sri Lanka, in which 30 of the 40 overs were bowled by spinners.

England would still have Jofra Archer and Sam Curran as pace bowlers, plus Adil Rashid, Liam Dawson and Will Jacks.

Jacob Bethell is yet to bowl in the tournament because of a cut on his finger. His availability to bowl would also impact England’s thinking.