CWC 2023 Latest: Well, that was not how the script was supposed to unfold for England. Not what they thought when they set foot on Indian shores to defend their crown. They had the perfect mix of youth and experience. Further, they successfully convinced Ben Stokes to return from his ODI exile. And most importantly, all of their key players were fit, firing, and hungry.
Yet here they are, finding themselves in a hole with just 3 games played, having lost two of them, both with comprehensive margins. Put simply, England have not yet got out of second gear in this tournament. And that’s putting it in the kindest manner possible.
It’s safe to say that a lot of things are going wrong with England at the moment, but there are 3 huge concerns that the Poms will have to address, and address fast before things get too out of control.
CWC 2023: Get Ben Stokes back as captain!!
Now it is not a secret to anyone that Ben Stokes is currently in the midst of an injury crisis, as the man has basically spent the entire summer leading England in the Ashes on one leg. But in all seriousness, if England wants to be in the conversation for those top-4 spots come the business end of the tournament, they will have to avail the services of the one they call their “Spiritual Leader”. Stokes is the glue that holds this side together and gives them that balance they so desperately crave. Yes he is there in the side as a batter, but his very presence in the field can spur the side to perform a gear higher. With reports saying Stokes is set to play in the South Africa game, his return could not come at a much better time for the Poms.
No new-ball Woakes or have an alternative; get Moeen Ali for good!!
England’s decision to give the new ball to Chris Woakes has not worked out. In most games (apart from against India), it has been a futile exercise. Woakes has just not been able to get it right with the ball. He has been taken for plenty in each game. This has become a concern for the English think-tank because they expected Woakes to be an integral weapon in their bowling arsenal, but it has been anything but. Maybe it’s time to take him out of the firing line and get in someone like David Willey (with Topley out injured) to try something different.
It’s high time to also have Moeen Ali in for the long-run. He is a decent bowler and can bat as well (as a hitter mainly). And this adds more depth to England’s batting.
Powerplay problems in CWC 2023
At their best, England are an absolute gun unit when they get going. And the biggest reason for their success as a White-ball juggernaut is their marauding starts in the powerplays (first ten overs) with both bat and ball. However, this has been conspicuous by its absence in the games that they have lost. They have scored less than their opponents with the bat and have conceded more than them with the ball. This is what happens when you leave out JASON ROY!!
The one game that they won vs Bangladesh, they aced both powerplays. So it’s no surprise; if they win the powerplays, there will be high chances that they win the game. The likes of Bairstow, Malan, etc. have to get England off to flyers while ensuring that they are on the crease to add further impetus to innings.
