The eighth edition of the T20 World Cup is just a few days away. The showpiece event will kick off on 16 October with a match between Sri Lanka and Namibia. The second round of the T20 World Cup 2022 will begin with a match between England and New Zealand. Jos Buttler-led England, who reached the semifinals in the last edition, will hope for a similar sort of outing this year as well.
England Cricket Board (ECB) has announced a strong 15-member squad with the likes of Buttler, Ben Stokes, Moeen Ali, and other marquee players. The Three Lions will once again be favourites to finish in the top four. But for that, the management will have to field the best XI. So, here is a look at England’s probable XI for the T20 World Cup 2022.
1. Jos Buttler
The captain and the most important player in England’s squad, Jos Buttler will start off the playing XI for England. He will be the first-choice opener for the showpiece event. The wicketkeeper batter has scored over 1300 runs while opening the innings in just 36 matches and strikes the ball at 150+. Also, being the captain of the side, Buttler will have the responsibility to provide his team with the best start possible.
2. Alex Hales
Having gotten a chance after three long years and that too when Jonny Bairstow was ruled out of the tournament, Alex Hales has made it count straightaway. The swashbuckling batter is now England’s second-choice opener for the showpiece event. Hales will be crucial for providing a brisk start to England but also hold the fort when needed.
3. Dawid Malan
The former World T20 No.1 batter, Dawid Malan has been a vital cog in England’s batting lineup from a while now. The southpaw possesses the ability to anchor the innings really well and switch gears when needed. Malan will provide the required stability in the middle order.
4. Ben Stokes
Although Stokes has not featured in too many T20Is for England this year, the dynamic all-rounder remains an integral part of the team. Stokes is also the kind of player who can bat through the middle overs and set the platform for a big finish. Also, he can chip in with a few overs and bowl economical spells.
5. Moeen Ali
Another southpaw in England’s middle order, Moeen Ali has been phenomenal in the shortest format as of late. Ever since hanging his boots in Test cricket, Ali has dominated T20I cricket. The spin-bowling all-rounder possesses the ability to hit from the first ball he faces. Also, Ali’s ability to take wickets with the new ball will also come in handy for England.
6. Liam Livingstone
Liam Livingstone is among one of the top finishers in world cricket currently. The swashbuckling batter can hit massive sixes and that too from the very first ball. Livingstone’s hitting abilities will help England to finish things off nicely. The right-handed batter strikes at 152.06 in T20Is.
7. Sam Curran
Sam Curran was out of cricketing action for a while due to injuries but ever since he is back, the young all-rounder is putting on match-winning performances. His bowling has only gotten better as he has started to nail yorkers now. Curran can also score some quick runs when required.
8. Chris Jordan
England’s leading wicket-taker in T20Is, Chris Jordan will play a crucial role for them at the T20 World Cup. The pacer whose style is best suited for the shortest format will always threaten the opposition with his variations. Jordan can bowl at 140+ kph and can also bowl cutters. The right-arm quick is equally good at nailing yorkers.
9. Mark Wood
Mark Wood is one of the quickest bowlers in world cricket. The pacer consistently bowls over 140 kph and extracts bounce on even a dead surface. So, on bouncy pitches in Australia, Wood’s skills will come in handy. The pacer has 35 wickets in 22 T20Is and averages below 20. Wood’s economy rate (8.37) is also decent.
10. Reece Topley
The tall, left-arm pacer who can swing the ball upfront and can bowl in the middle overs, Reece Topley has consolidated his place in England’s T20I team. Although it’s been too long since his entry, Topley has turned into an asset. He has 22 T20I wickets.
11. Adil Rashid
The veteran leg-spinner of England, Adil Rashid perfectly fits in this England side. With experience aplenty, Rashid is always a threat to the opposition. His ability to outfox batters with conventional leg-spin deliveries and occasional googlies will be helpful when England will need wickets.
