England enters this tournament as the defending champions and one of only two teams, along with the West Indies, to have won the T20 World Cup twice. Can they defend their title and secure another title?
Jos Buttler's England is certainly among the favorites, if not the outright favorite, to win the tournament. The team appears strong, with all bases covered. Let's delve into the squad to examine its strengths and weaknesses.
Squad: Jos Buttler (captain), Moeen Ali, Jofra Archer, Jonny Bairstow, Harry Brook, Sam Curran, Ben Duckett, Tom Hartley, Will Jacks, Chris Jordan, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Reece Topley, Mark Wood.
England boasts a formidable top order, featuring Jos Buttler, Phil Salt, and Will Jacks, rivaling Australia's own explosive lineup of David Warner, Travis Head, and Mitch Marsh. Phil Salt is currently ranked 2nd in international T20 batting, while captain Jos Buttler holds the 8th spot. Despite Will Jacks having limited international experience, his exceptional performances in T20 leagues and England's domestic circuit have earned him a place in the World Cup squad, ahead of Dawid Malan, who is ranked 10th internationally.
In terms of statistics, Phil Salt has scored 697 runs at an average of 34.85, with an impressive strike rate of 166.75. Skipper Jos Buttler has accumulated 3050 runs, averaging 35.47 with a strike rate of 145.52. Will Jacks, though only having played 13 international matches, has amassed 238 runs at an average of 18.31 and a strike rate of 146.91. Despite his modest international numbers, his recent form in the IPL likely influenced the selectors' decision. Jacks' potential is undoubtedly high, and it will be fascinating to see how these three batsmen perform in the World Cup.
England's top order is impressive, but their middle order is equally awe-inspiring. Featuring seasoned players like Jonny Bairstow, Harry Brook, and Moeen Ali, this lineup exudes both talent and experience. All three have participated in the previous World Cup and are poised to play pivotal roles in the tournament. With their wealth of experience, they are expected to deliver standout performances and provide stability and firepower to England's batting lineup.
Allrounders:
England's wealth of all-rounders sets them apart, showcasing their extraordinary depth and versatility. Adil Rashid, batting as low as number 10, can contribute with the bat, illustrating the team's remarkable lineup depth. Moeen Ali's effectiveness during the power plays while Liam Livingstone's impact in the middle overs with their bowling, Jofra Archer's lower-order prowess, and Chris Jordan's powerful hitting and stellar fielding all add substantial strength to the team. Will Jacks also adds to the bowling options, enhancing their tactical flexibility.
In the recent series against Pakistan, Sam Curran, the previous World Cup's Player of the Tournament, demonstrated the intense competition within the squad as he couldn't find his place in the XI. Even without including Sam Curran in the starting XI, England have five all-rounders, offering captain Jos Buttler an array of strategic options. This remarkable versatility and depth make England an exceptionally strong contender, capable of adapting to any situation on the field.
Pace Attack:
England's pace attack is formidable, featuring the exceptional talents of Mark Wood, Jofra Archer, Chris Jordan, and Reece Topley. Each of these bowlers have enough matches under their belt, bringing a wealth of experience and skill to the team.
Mark Wood and Jofra Archer have been particularly impressive, consistently delivering deliveries clocking around 150 km/h, adding an exciting edge to England's bowling arsenal. Their sheer pace will be closely watched in this tournament. Reece Topley, with his towering height of 2.01 meters, leverages his left-arm angle to generate extra bounce and swing, often causing early trouble for opposing batsmen.
Chris Jordan, the most experienced among them, will be participating in his fifth T20 World Cup. Known for his exceptional death bowling, his cutters and toe-crushing yorkers are invaluable in the final overs, making him a crucial asset for England. This pace quartet, with its blend of speed, skill, and strategic variety, makes England's bowling attack one of the most formidable in the tournament.
Spin Attack:
England's decision to include Tom Hartley in their squad aims to bolster Adil Rashid's spin options, providing crucial variety for the expected slow pitches in the USA. Hartley's recent strong performances have justified his selection, making him a valuable asset to the team. Adil Rashid's role is particularly significant, given his experience and status as the current number one T20 bowler globally. His mentorship also adds invaluable leadership. Additionally, the contributions of Liam Livingstone and Moeen Ali are expected to be pivotal. With these versatile spinners, England is well-prepared to adapt to varying conditions and maintain a potent bowling attack throughout the tournament.
England (Probable Playing XI): Jos Buttler(w/c), Philip Salt, Will Jacks, Jonny Bairstow, Harry Brook, Moeen Ali, Liam Livingstone, Chris Jordan, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood
Experts say:
"They've just got to be better than they were at that 50-over World Cup. They went into that with a lot of hope and it didn't start well and they didn't react well. So they need to have a Plan B. If we don't start well, if things don't go well, how do we react? How do we react to slower pitches? How do we react when better sides come up against us? But under Buttler and what they've got in this side they're in a real good place. They just got to go and do it," says Nasser Hussain (former England captain)
How many T20 World cups England have won?
- England have won two T20 World cups. 2010 followed by the previous world cup in 2022.
The real challenge for England now is to defend their championship title. With a robust and talented team, they certainly have the potential to achieve this feat. It will be fascinating to see how they perform and rise to the occasion in this tournament.
