If we talk about the favorites for the T20 World Cup 2022, then England must be there on the list. The 2010 champions enter the tournament under a new skipper – Jos Buttler – who is known to be one of the devastating hitters in the shorter format. But whether his leadership inspires the team to reclaim the trophy Down Under remains to be seen.
England have just beaten hosts and reigning world champions Australia at home and this 2-0 series win will surely boost their confidence when they find themselves in the Super 12 with New Zealand, the Afghanistan, the Australians and two first-round qualifiers.
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The Three Lions have a formidable batting unit including skipper Buttler, all-around stars Ben Stokes and Moeen Ali, Liam Livingstone, and at the same time there will be Alex Hales returning to the mix after a long break. Additionally, the presence of Harry Brook and Dawid Malan makes the batting department quite healthy and provides much-needed depth.
England’s front row bowlers of David Willey, Chris Woakes, Sam Curran and Mark Wood have already vindicated their selections in the 3-match T20I against their rivals. Curran was the highest wicket taker with five scalps in two games while Woakes, Wood and Topley grabbed three each.
Overall, Buttler has all the tools for success at his disposal, especially a feisty batting team and an army of quality all-rounders. With expectations high, it will be a big challenge for England to relish the pressure and bring home the trophy.
How did they do last time?
England nearly got their hands on the trophy but New Zealand dashed their hopes with a five-wicket win last year at the United Arab Emirates. Led by Eoin Morgan, England finished top of the standings with four wins from five matches in their group. But arrived in the semi-finals, they were outclassed by the Blackcaps.
They posted 166 for 4 after striking first. Moeen scored the most with 37 from 51 not out while Malan contributed with 41 from 30. But Kane Williamson & Co chased the target with six to spare, securing England’s exit from the tournament.
Best player(s) to watch
With a star squad, it’s not easy to select players to watch. But if it has to be done, then Buttler will surely stand at the top. The skipper has been in good shape for a while now. He won the Orange cap at the IPL 2022 and most recently finished as Australia’s T20I top scorer with 150 points in three sets.
The likes of Malan and Stokes will also be front and center. The latter has returned to international cricket after a long gap and it will be interesting to see how he delivers in the showpiece event. On the other hand, Stokes’ form will also be a concern for England. The versatile player hasn’t done well with the bat and going into the World Cup, management might take a closer look.
England team: Jos Buttler (c), Moeen Ali, Harry Brook, Sam Curran, Chris Jordan, Liam Livingstone, Dawid Malan, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Ben Stokes, Reece Topley, David Willey, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood, Alex Hales.
The strongest XI
Jos Buttler (c&w), Alex Hales, Dawid Malan, Ben Stokes, Harry Brook, Moeen Ali, Sam Curran, David Willey, Chris Jordan, Adil Rashid, Reece Topley
Fixtures
v Afghanistan (22 October), Perth Stadium, Perth
v Group B runners-up (26 October), MCG, Melbourne
v Australia (October 28), MCG, Melbourne
v New Zealand (1 November), The Gabba, Brisbane
v Group A winners (5 November), SCG, Sydney
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