Coach Matthew Mott hopes to win his second World IT20 title having guided the Australian Women’s team to world glory in 2020. Evidently experienced in white ball domination, Mott faces a selection headache as England once again proved their quality in depth after a closely fought 4-3 series win against Pakistan, whilst missing star players such as captain Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes and more.
Back in the England set up for the first time since 2019 following his ban from the ECB, Hales seems to have done his waiting on the side lines and is ready to redeem himself. With one IT20 century to his name and an average of 30.06, he can spearhead the lengthy batting line up England has to offer. There is an argument for Phil Salt to have his own claim to the spot, but with Hales being the more experienced of the two his position is a cert. To further add to the case of Hales, his recent record in Australia is impressive, in the 2020-21 Big Bash Season, he finished as the top run scorer with 543 runs at 38.78.
The captain himself. The first name on the team sheet. On top of his pivotal role as the white ball captain, his stats on the global stage speak for themselves. He averaged 89.66 at the last World Cup, coupled with brutal individual displays against Australia and Sri Lanka, with an outstanding century against the latter of the two nations. Widley regarded as one of the best in the white ball game, his place in the squad faces no doubt. He will however be looked upon for his leadership, this is the first ICC tournament since 2014 England are entering without Eoin Morgan at the helm on the field. Following the captaincy void left through Morgan’s retirement, it is certainly a difficult one to fill, as to whether Buttler can effectively lead the team will remain to be seen as the tournament begins later this month.
Dawid Malan has firmly cemented himself in the number three slot for England since he was reintroduced to the IT20 squad in 2019. Since then, he has made himself a necessity in the England set up, an average of 38.65 as well as holding the second fastest IT20 century for England. His most defining feat is holding the record for the highest ICC IT20 rating of 915 points in 2020. His records and stats need no further explanation, he has been a valuable asset for England over the past few years and will continue to prove this in Australia.
After an exciting summer of Test cricket, with the added pressure of the test captaincy, Ben Stokes will no doubt be looking forward to a change in cricket scenery. Since his heroics in the summer of the 2019, there has not been a name more synonymous with England Cricket than Ben Stokes. Missing out on the last IT20 World Cup due to Stokes taking a break from cricket due to his mental health, England will be grateful to have him back, he has dragged England from the depths many a time and will undoubtedly be an essential element of the team as he leads the middle order.
Seemingly to be included in the World Cup squad as an extra batter, his recent electric performances against Pakistan has provided sufficient evidence he can counter high level bowling attacks. The recent series has bolstered his average to 43.28, tied with a lethal strike rate of 151.50. It must be noted in this predicted line up, seven of the players featured in the 2016 IT20 World Cup final against the West Indies, even though England have immensely improved their depth, they must start to further integrate young talent whilst performing on the global stage. The experience of the England squad connected with the opportunity to face the best in the world will only nurture this young prodigy.
Similar to the other veterans in the squad, Moeen is an essential, as the primary off spinner in the team, as well as his aggressive approach to white ball batting, he is a batter that exemplifies the head on approach the England white ball team has become so accustomed with. Slotting in at six means he can excel in his usual role in helping England to kill off innings and push towards above average scores. Comparable to Buttler, his leadership skills will also be considered during the tournament, acting as a stand in captain during the Pakistan series, Buttler will need a second-hand man in the field, with Moeen likely to step up into this role.
Moving on to number seven, it is fair to say this is one of the most contested spots in the England team. This position could easily be a toss-up between Chris Woakes and Liam Livingstone, but both excel in differing areas on the field. Woakes enables England to an opening bowler who can generate early movement with the ball and maintains the superior economy rate of the two, 7.72, but Livingstone’s devastating batting would further add to their already stacked batting order and would conjoin perfectly with England’s direct batting approach. Keeping in mind Livingstone’s return from his ankle injury, Woakes seems to be the likely option as Livingstone may be given further time regain his full fitness.
Jordan has sustained his image as the death over specialist in the team, the combination of his yorkers and slower deliveries somewhat reserves his place in the line-up. Although his performance in the summer is noteworthy and he is not in the squad purely on experience, he finished as the highest wicket taker in the 3 match IT20 series against India with 8 wickets, he will most certainly be the man England turn to in the scenario of defending a total.
Another ever-present in England’s white ball squad, his talents have been at the forefront of England’s white ball domination, for many years he has showcased his variation of speeds as he spins the ball both ways. Whilst his performances in Pakistan were disappointing, taking wickets at a meagre rate of 32.4 with seven wickets in seven matches, however Rashid has established himself as a true professional of the game and has matured as his career has progressed. Producing career best figures, 4-2, during the last World Cup, Rashid will be looking to replicate this form over the next few weeks.
Known for his scintillating speeds, Wood certainly brings the ‘X-Factor’ to this bowling attack, clocking speeds of 97mph on his return to the side from an elbow injury, England will be ecstatic by his return. Unsurprisingly he has shown no signs of slowing down, he ended the Pakistan series as England’s second highest wicket taker after only playing two matches. The zippy Aussie pitches will compliment Wood and it is paramount he remains fit if England are to become world champions.
Rounding off the order is a man who has had a remarkable resurgence over the past few months. Impressing in both the One Day and T20 game, Reece Topley has forced himself back into the side and will be utilised as an opening and death bowler, performances against India and South Africa in the summer, most notably a man of the match display on a dead Trent Bridge track with figures of 3-22, have stood him in good stead once again. Standing at 6ft 7 inches, generating movement with the new ball early on, infused with his aptness to harness bounce, the left arm paceman will add variation to this line up, similar to the impact Tymal Mills created in the last World Cup.