England well stocked for another World Cup run

England backed up their reputation before the start of the 50-over World Cup by lifting the trophy for the first time on home soil in July 2019. It wasn’t entirely conventional, as their victory came on boundaries scored after a Super Over was required to decide an epic final against New Zealand at Lord’s. The Three Lions were on form when it mattered the most and claimed the crown, but will now turn their attentions to the other white-ball trophy – the World T20.

Eoin Morgan’s men could well have won both limited-overs tournaments had Ben Stokes held his nerve with the ball in India in 2016. In the final against the West Indies, Carlos Brathwaite and Marlon Samuels required 19 runs off the last over to beat England. Brathwaite proceeded to smash four sixes on the bounce to claim the crown for the Windies. Stokes has since earned redemption with two memorable innings’ in the World Cup final and the Ashes.

However, England will be keen to right past wrongs in the shortest format and establish themselves as the leading force in white-ball cricket in the world. They’re also backed in the online cricket betting odds at +450 to win the competition in Australia towards the end of 2020. The Three Lions proved their quality in the shortest format with a series victory over New Zealand on the road with an inexperienced line-up, missing several of their star men, including Stokes and Jos Buttler. Once again the contest between the sides was decided by a Super Over, but England were able to triumph.

England are the envy of almost every team in the world for the depth of their batting ranks. So much so that a player of Alex Hales’ caliber is on the outside of the squad. Tom Banton has proved that he is ready for cricket at the highest level, impressing in the T20 Blast and the Big Bash League in Australia. Whether the Three Lions will be able to find a place for him remains to be seen, with Jonny Bairstow and Jason Roy holding down the openers’ spots.

Joe Root and Eoin Morgan have the middle order in place, while Stokes and Buttler are there for fireworks towards the end. There is not a great deal of room to play with, although there has been speculation regarding Root’s role in the team despite his excellent record. He does not have the striking ability of his team-mates and could be sacrificed to add additional power to the fold, although once again he was England’s leading batsman at the last World T20. Dawid Malan has been excellent during his brief moments in the T20 side, while Liam Livingstone and Tom Kohler-Cadmore are other young players knocking on the door.

Even the bowling ranks are well stocked with players emerging, while veterans in the mold of Chris Jordan are still extremely useful. Sam and Tom Curran proved their worth during the series against New Zealand, opening the bowling. Jofra Archer will likely take one spot, while the Currans and Stokes will provide the other seaming positions amid an injury to the promising Pat Brown. Mark Wood remains in the picture along with Liam Plunkett, although their best days may be behind them in the 20-over format. Adil Rashid has competition for the spinner position, although given that the tournament is in Australia, England could go for one man in the role. Moeen Ali and Matt Parkinson will be vying for the spot, highlighting the competition for places up and down the side.

Although there is a long way to go, England appear to be in an incredibly healthy position for an assault on another white-ball crown.