by Monideep Ghosh
Not many pundits and fans would fancy England to make an impact in a world
tournament that is being held at the sub-continent. After the 1987 World Cup
Not many pundits and fans would fancy England to make an impact in a world tournament that is being held at the sub-continent. After the 1987 World Cup (where they made it to the final), there have been five major tournaments held at this part of the world with England failing to make it to the semi-finals on all occasions. But this time around they are buoyed and are confident of putting up a good show in the World T20 2016.
Twelve months ago, things were different as they got thumped by Bangladesh
in the 2015 World Cup in Australia. And now, the limited-overs misfits have
been removed from the side and there is a sudden influx of young and exciting
players who are ideally suited to this format. Their brand of cricket has
changed and despite losing the two-match Twenty20 International (T20I)
series in South Africa recently, they look ready. The selectors did throw a
surprise by picking an uncapped spinner in the 15-member squad. Hampshire's
Liam Dawson bowled well for England Lions against Pakistan A in the UAE
and considering the spinner-friendly surfaces that would be on offer in India,
he was selected as the backup spinner. England also chose to ignore senior
pacer Stuart Broad for the tournament despite his recall to the limited-overs
squads recently. Even though he has been in good form of late, Kevin Pietersen
was not considered as well.
Recent form: England lost the two-match T20I series against South Africa last
month but that should not deter them. They fought back brilliantly to almost
win the first game before Chris Morris took it away in the final over and then
were comprehensively beaten by an AB de Villiers special in the second. Prior
to this, they faced Pakistan last year in November where they put up an
incredible performance to win the series 3-0. Considering that series was
played in similar conditions that they would encounter in India, that win was
vital.
Strengths: The presence of two spinners who are ideally suited to this format is
a huge plus for England. Moeen Ali's tidy off-spin and Adil Rashid's leg-spin
will be crucial and the latter has been in good form as he demonstrated his
prowess in the Big Bash. The batting line up looks fearsome as it boasts of some
big power hitters who can play around the consistent Joe Root, who himself can
launch an assault if needed. Weakness: Inexperience in the seam bowling
department, especially in these challenging conditions will test England. Reece
Topley and David Willey will have their task cut out, especially against batting
heavy sides. Also, this current lineup has not featured in a lot of high-pressure
knock-out clashes, which again could prove to be vital.
Batting order conundrum : Despite possessing a strong batting line-up, England
seem to be a little unsettled on the order. Moeen Ali, especially has found life
hard at number 7 after finding success early in his career batting at the top
order. Will we see him return there? In that case, what about Jos Buttler who is
arguably their best batsman in this format. The management cannot afford him
to come in too late and run out of deliveries. They need to take a call on that
before the first game.
PREDICTION: Semi-final
Paired with South Africa, Sri Lanka, West Indies and Afghanistan, England are
expected to reach the last-four stage above Sri Lanka and even the Windies
considering their lacklustre form recently combined with the absence of key
players. From there on, anything can happen on the given day as India and to
an extent, South Africa look to be their only stumbling block.
Not many pundits and fans would fancy England to make an impact in a world
tournament that is being held at the sub-continent. After the 1987 World Cup
Not many pundits and fans would fancy England to make an impact in a world tournament that is being held at the sub-continent. After the 1987 World Cup (where they made it to the final), there have been five major tournaments held at this part of the world with England failing to make it to the semi-finals on all occasions. But this time around they are buoyed and are confident of putting up a good show in the World T20 2016.
Twelve months ago, things were different as they got thumped by Bangladesh
in the 2015 World Cup in Australia. And now, the limited-overs misfits have
been removed from the side and there is a sudden influx of young and exciting
players who are ideally suited to this format. Their brand of cricket has
changed and despite losing the two-match Twenty20 International (T20I)
series in South Africa recently, they look ready. The selectors did throw a
surprise by picking an uncapped spinner in the 15-member squad. Hampshire's
Liam Dawson bowled well for England Lions against Pakistan A in the UAE
and considering the spinner-friendly surfaces that would be on offer in India,
he was selected as the backup spinner. England also chose to ignore senior
pacer Stuart Broad for the tournament despite his recall to the limited-overs
squads recently. Even though he has been in good form of late, Kevin Pietersen
was not considered as well.
Recent form: England lost the two-match T20I series against South Africa last
month but that should not deter them. They fought back brilliantly to almost
win the first game before Chris Morris took it away in the final over and then
were comprehensively beaten by an AB de Villiers special in the second. Prior
to this, they faced Pakistan last year in November where they put up an
incredible performance to win the series 3-0. Considering that series was
played in similar conditions that they would encounter in India, that win was
vital.
Strengths: The presence of two spinners who are ideally suited to this format is
a huge plus for England. Moeen Ali's tidy off-spin and Adil Rashid's leg-spin
will be crucial and the latter has been in good form as he demonstrated his
prowess in the Big Bash. The batting line up looks fearsome as it boasts of some
big power hitters who can play around the consistent Joe Root, who himself can
launch an assault if needed. Weakness: Inexperience in the seam bowling
department, especially in these challenging conditions will test England. Reece
Topley and David Willey will have their task cut out, especially against batting
heavy sides. Also, this current lineup has not featured in a lot of high-pressure
knock-out clashes, which again could prove to be vital.
Batting order conundrum : Despite possessing a strong batting line-up, England
seem to be a little unsettled on the order. Moeen Ali, especially has found life
hard at number 7 after finding success early in his career batting at the top
order. Will we see him return there? In that case, what about Jos Buttler who is
arguably their best batsman in this format. The management cannot afford him
to come in too late and run out of deliveries. They need to take a call on that
before the first game.
PREDICTION: Semi-final
Paired with South Africa, Sri Lanka, West Indies and Afghanistan, England are
expected to reach the last-four stage above Sri Lanka and even the Windies
considering their lacklustre form recently combined with the absence of key
players. From there on, anything can happen on the given day as India and to
an extent, South Africa look to be their only stumbling block.
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