This might be toughest group of all. West Indies & England, the two finalists from last time, will go head-to-head in this group with wounded Australia & South Africa waiting to make their statement.
From the initial table, we might potentially see the likes of Sri Lanka/Netherlands and Scotland in this group. Without further ado, here is the detailed squad analysis—Most Balanced, Surprise Exclusions, In-Form Inclusions and Predictions!
Prediction:Rank 4th in Group 1. Will unfortunately fail to Go to the semi-finals yet again.
Does Australia Have It In Them To Win the T20 World Cup?
Australia have a balanced squad with the return of Warner, Smith, Maxwell, and Stoinis. The Bangladesh series saw several players losing their spots, but is this almost ODI-esque batting line up good enough in 2021? Maxwell, Stoinis gives them extra bowling options and Wade, if consistent, can be dangerous at the top.
The batting order is an issue since this group has not played together.Marsh has done well at 3 and Wade has been impactful as an opener. Warner-Smith will cause the batting order to reshuffle, futher breaking the consistency within this Australian team.
England T20 World Cup Squad
Batters
Spin Bowling All-Rounders
Medium Pace All-Rounders
Wicket-Keepers
Spin Bowlers
Fast Bowlers
Eoin Morgan
Moeen Ali
Sam Curran
Jonny Bairstow
Adil Rashid
Tymal Mills
Dawid Malan
Liam Livingstone
Chris Jordan
Jos Buttler
Mark Wood
Jason Roy
David Willey
Sam Billings
Chris Woakes
James Vince
Liam Dawson
Tom Curran
Group 1 2021 T20 World Cup Squads: England
England Probable XI
Jason Roy, 2. Jos Buttler (WK), 3. Dawid Malan/Moeen Ali, 4. Jonny Bairstow, 5. Eoin Morgan (C), 6. Liam Livingstone, 7. Sam Curran/David Willey, 8. Chris Jordan, 9. Mark Wood, 10. Tymal Mills, 11. Adil Rashid
Average Age: 31
Unlucky to Miss Out: Matt Parkinson/Saqib Mahmood/Tom Banton/Reece Topley (not picked), Jofra Archer, Ben Stokes (injury/personal reasons), James Vince (reserves), Alex Hales/Joe Root (never in contention but could have been handy). Read this to check the entire 44 players who were in contention.
Surprise Inclusions: Tymal Mills
Watch Out For:Liam Livingstone, in his form of his life. Contender for the longest six?
Prediction:Rank 2nd in Group 1. Might lose one or two (Netherlands upset again?) before gathering momentum and edging to the semi-finals on net run-rate.
Does England Have It In Them To Win the T20 World Cup?
Talented squad no doubt, but some selection does not make complete sense. Curran, Jordan, Willey, Woakes and Tom Curran in reserves? Why is there a need for 4-5 fast bowling all-rounders. And Mark Wood can tonk it with the bat as well. A leg spinner in Matt Parkison would have been a good choice given the conditions and his recent international/ Hundred form.
Moeen Ali & Liam Livingstone will bowl part-time spin, but watch out for a rejuvenated Tymal Mills. X factor of the WC?Can England go one step further this time around? Last hurrah for Eoin Morgan?
South Africa T20 World Cup Squad
Batters
Spin Bowling All-Rounders
Medium Pace All-Rounders
Wicket-Keepers
Spin Bowlers
Fast Bowlers
Temba Bavuma
Keshav Maharaj
Wiaan Mulder
Quinton de Kock
Tabraiz Shamsi
Kagiso Rabada
Rassie van der Dussen
Dwaine Pretorious
Heinrich Klaasen
Bjorn Fortuin
Anrich Nortje
Aiden Markram
Lungi Ngidi
David Miller
Reeza Hendricks
George Linde
Andile Phehlukwayo
Lizaad Williams
Group 1 2021 T20 World Cup Squads: South Africa
South Africa Probable XI
Aiden Markram, 2. Quinton de Kock (WK), 3. Temba Bavuma*, 4. Rassie van der Dussen, 5. David Miller, 6. Heinrich Klassen, 7. Dwaine Pretorious, 8. Anrich Nortje, 9. Kagiso Rabada, 10. Keshav Maharaj, 11. Tabraiz Shamsi
Average Age:29
Unlucky to Miss Out: George Linde (reserves), Imran Tahir, Faf Du Plessis, Chris Morris, Janneman Malan
Prediction:Rank 3rd in Group 1. Will start in the Top 2, but might narrowly miss out due to net run rate or a streak of losses at the end.
Does South Africa Have It In Them To Win the T20 World Cup?
A competitive team that is perhaps missing the winning edge. Experience of Kagiso Rabada-Anrich Nortje from their brilliant IPL 2020 at UAE will matter, since the World T20 is also staged at the same place. Spin is expected to play a role, and Tabraiz Shamsi has been an absolute star over the past year. Rabada-Nortje-Ngidi and Shamsi-Maharaj is a strong T20 bowling side and with Quinton de Kock-Markram-Miller-van der Dussen forming the batting core, South Africa have a competitive T20I side but the reserves are thin.
Several selection questions for South Africa. George Linde has been a breakout star for SA in the past year, playing the Mitchell Santner sort of role. Another left-arm spinner Fortuin has been named, while Linde is in the reserves.
Faf du Plessis just made a 120* in the CPLand was coming back into form after the concussion, and Imran Tahir was still a threat in The Hundred. One has to ask, the ‘conversations’ between Smith-Boucher and free agents AB De Villiers, Faf, Morris, and Tahir that seemed to be going well at one stage—how did it fall apart?
West Indies T20 World Cup Squad
Batters
Spin Bowling All-Rounders
Medium Pace All-Rounders
Wicket-Keepers
Spin Bowlers
Fast Bowlers
Andre Fletcher
Fabian Allen
Kieron Pollard
Nicholas Pooran
Hayden Walsh Jr.
Obed McCoy
Chris Gayle
Roston Chase
Dwayne Bravo
Lendl Simmons
Ravi Rampaul
Shimron Hetmyer
Andre Russell
Oshane Thomas
Evin Lewis
Darren Bravo
Jason Holder
Akeal Hosein
Sheldon Cottreell
Group 1 2021 T20 World Cup Squads: West Indies
Probable XI
Evin Lewis, 2. Lendl Simmons, 3. Chris Gayle, 4. Shimron Hetmyer, 5. Nicholas Pooran, 6. Kieron Pollard (C), 7. Andre Russell, 8. Fabian Allen, 9. Dwayne Bravo, 10. Hayden Walsh Jr., 11. Obed McCoy/Ravi Rampaul
Average Age: 31
Unlucky to Miss Out: Jason Holder (reserves), Sherfane Rutherford, Sunil Narine, Fidel Edwards, Kevin Sinclair, Rovman Powell, Romario Shepherd, Alzarri Joseph, Kennar Lewis, Odean Smith, Kesrick Williams, Carlos Brathwaite. For a detailed player-by-player analysis for each of the 42 players in contention, read here.
Surprise Inclusions: Roston Chase, Ravi Rampaul
Watch Out For: Fabian Allen, the find of West Indies’ home T20I series. Provides Pollard & Russell the breathing space and freedom to play their natural game knowing that Allen can still finish the game off. Also provides balance with left arm spin.
Prediction:Rank 1st in Group 1. Might get surprised by an Associate team, but should sweep the rest.
Does West Indies Have It In Them To Win the T20 World Cup?
Ravi Rampaul & Roston Chase, the highest wicket taker & run scorer of CPL 2021 so far, are the big winners. However, Rutherford and Romario Shepherd will find themselves a bit unlucky not to even find a reserve spot despite a good show in the CPL.
The XI basically picks itself, with each player a match-winner in their own right. The only questions are Simmons vs Fletcher and Rampaul Vs McCoy. Chase might not make the XI initially, but if it is a low scoring spin pitch, expect him to play that ‘Marlon Samuels’ role.
West Indies will miss stalwarts and lucky charms Sunil Narine & Carlos Brathwaite, but they have plenty of options to go without them. Good balance of youth & experience—will it be a fairytale hat-trick ending for Chris Gayle and co?
Caribbean Premier League (CPL 2021)—The party is back in town once again!
The West Indies have just finished a marathon 14 game home T20I season against South Africa, Australia, and Pakistan.
It is now time for the domestic West Indies T20 league and for fringe players to make their cases. In the first 3 days of CPL 2021, we have had so many great moments—Dre Russ’s 14-ball 50, TKR already losing a game, Faf’s comeback from concussion, Sherfane Rutherford’s magnificent form, Tims (David & Seifert) having breakout seasons, and experienced Amir-Udana-Rampaul-Tahir topping the bowling charts so far. If you haven’t been watching, this is time to switch your TVs back on, especially with the T20 World Cup approaching soon.
Here is everything you need to know about CPL 2021.
Barbados Tridents & Saint Lucia Zouks no more, we now have Barbados Royals (from Rajasthan Royals) & Saint Lucia Kings (from Punjab Kings).
The Indian Premier League is slowly taking over the world.
*Teams highlighted in their respective jersey colors
Trinbago Knight Riders
West Indies Internationals: Kieron Pollard (C), Darren Bravo, Lendl Simmons, Sunil Narine, Denesh Ramdin (WK), Ravi Rampaul, Jayden Seales, Akeal Hosein, Khary Pierre, Anderson Phillip
West Indies Domestic: Leonardo Julien (WK), Tion Webster
Foreign Recruits: Ali Khan (USA), Colin Munro, Tim Seifert (NZ), Isuru Udana (SL), Yasir Shah (Pakistan)
Coaching Staff: Imran Jan
I am looking forward to the New Zealand duo Munro & Seifert along with the fast bowling trio – experienced Rampaul, promising Seales, & energetic Ali Khan.
Trinbago Knight Riders Expected XI:
Lendl Simmons, 2. Tim Seifert, 3. Colin Munro, 4. Darren Bravo, 5. Kieron Pollard, 6. Sunil Narine, 7. Denesh Ramdin, 8. Ravi Rampaul/Isuru Udana, 9. Jayden Seales, 10. Ali Khan, 11. Akeal Hosein
Barbados Royals
West Indies Internationals: Jason Holder (C), Johnson Charles (WK), Shai Hope (WK), Kyle Mayers, Ashley Nurse, Raymon Reifer, Oshane Thomas, Hayden Walsh Jr.
West Indies Domestic: Joshua Bishop, Justin Greaves, Nyeem Young
Foreign Recruits: Azam Khan – WK, Mohammad Amir (Pakistan), Jake Lintott (England), Smit Patel – WK (USA/ former India), Thisara Perera (Sri Lanka), Glenn Phillips – WK (New Zealand)
Coaching Staff: Trevor Penney
I am lookingforward to theforeign contingent. Jake Lintott had a successful Hundred season, Glenn Phillips & Azam Khan are power hitters, while Perera & Amir have reputation and experience on their side.
West Indies Internationals: Nicholas Pooran (WK/C), Shimron Hetmyer, Brandon King, Romario Shepherd, Kevin Sinclair, Chandrapaul Hemraj (6 ODIs), Odean Smith (2 T20I)
West Indies Domestic: Anthony Bramble (WK), Gudakesh Motie, Ashmead Nedd, Nial Smith
Foreign Recruits: Imran Tahir (South Africa), Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Hafeez (Pakistan), Naveen-ul-Haq (Afghanistan)
Coaching Staff: Rayon Griffith
I am looking forward to thedynamic between young & experience. While Pooran, Hetmyer, Shepher, & King have youth on their side, Hafeez, Malik, and Tahir are world class T20 match-winners.
West Indies Internationals: Roston Chase, Rahkeem Cornwall, Andre Fletcher, Alzarri Joseph, Obed McCoy, Keemo Paul, Kesrick Williams
West Indies Domestic: Kadeem Alleyne, Keron Cottoy, Mark Deyal, Javelle Glen, Jeavor Royal
Foreign Recruits: Faf du Plessis – C (South Africa), Tim David (Singapore), Samit Patel (England), Usman Qadir, Wahab Riaz (Pakistan)
Coaching Staff: Andy Flower
I am looking forward to the West Indies internationals. Roston Chase, Cornwall, Kesrick Williams, Paul are not in the current T20I plan for the West Indies and Joseph, McCoy, and Paul are still on the fringes. This CPL season will show who gets in and who does not to the T20 World Cup squad. Also hope that Faf du Plessis has recovered from the concussion.
Saint Lucia Kings Expected XI:
Faf du Plessis, 2. Andre Fletcher, 3. Rahkeem Cornwall, 4. Roston Chase, 5. Tim David, 6. Samit Patel, 7. Keemo Paul, 8. Kesrick Williams, 9. Usman Qadir/Wahab Riaz, 10. Obed McCoy, 11. Alzarri Joseph
St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots
West Indies Internationals: Dwayne Bravo (C), Fabian Allen, Sheldon Cottrell, Joshua Da Silva (WK), Rayad Emrit, Chris Gayle, Evin Lewis, Sherfane Rutherford, Devon Thomas
West Indies Domestic: Colin Archibald, Dominic Drakes, Jon-Russ Jaggesar, Mikyle Louis
Foreign Recruits: Asif Ali (Pakistan), Ravi Bopara (England), Fawad Ahmed (Australia), Paul van Meekeren
Coaching Staff: Simon Helmot
I am looking forward to Evin Lewis & Fabian Allen. They have been the two standout performers in the last three home T20I series. Can they continue their good form?
St. Kitts & Patriots Expected XI:
Devon Thomas, 2. Evin Lewis, 3. Chris Gayle, 4. Sherfane Rutherford, 5. Ravi Bopara, 6. Asif Ali, 7. Joshua Da Silva, 8. Dwayne Bravo, 9. Fabian Allen, 10. Fawad Ahmed, 11. Sheldon Cottrell
Jamaica Tallawahs
West Indies Internationals: Rovman Powell (C), Carlos Brathwaite, Andre Russell, Shamarh Brooks, Fidel Edwards, Jason Mohmammed, Veerasammy Permaul, Chadwick Walton (WK)
Foreign Recruits: Haider Ali (Pakistan), Ryan Persaud (USA), Migael Pretorius (South Africa), Qais Ahmad (Afghanistan)
Coaching Staff: Floyd Reifer
I am looking forward to the star-studded lower middle order—Powell, Brathwaite, and Russell. 255/5 in their opening game already shows the potential of this team.
Jamaica Tallawahs Expected XI:
Chadwick Walton (WK), 2. Kennar Lewis, 3. Haider Ali, 4. Shamarh Brooks, 5. Rovmann Powell, 6. Andre russell, 7. Carlos Brathwaite, 8. Chris Green, 9. Veerasammy Permaul, 10. Fidel Edwards, 11. Qais Ahmed
Key Match Ups To Watch Out For
Huge CPL season ahead for Andre Fletcher – The Spice Man came back to the West Indies T20I side on a back of a good BBL and Big Bash tournament. However, his form in the international arena dropped off. Johnson Charles & Brandon King are contenders for the reserve opener spot if Fletcher does not have a good show here.
Warriors show glimpse of West Indies’ future – Brandon King, Pooran, Hetmyer, Romario Shepherd, Kevin Sinclair may form the core of a future West Indies team without Gayle, Pollard, or Bravo.
Can Trinbago Knight Riders do it again? Last season TKR won 12 games on a trot to dominate CPL 2020. With a similar composition of their squad, can they make it 5 trophies?
Caribbean Premier League 2021 Predictions
Finally here are my predictions.
My prediction for the team to lift the CPL 2021 trophy is….Jamaica Tallawahs with the Top 4 of Guyana Amazon Warriors, St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots, and Trinbago Knight Riders.
Most Runs: Evin Lewis
Most Wickets: Obed McCoy
Emerging Player: Rohail Nazir
Surprise Package: Tim David/Jake Lintott
Broken Cricket Dream: Final CPL edition for Shoaib Malik?
Here were my Caribbean Premier League – CPL 2021 Predictions. What did you think? What are YOUR predictions? Comment Below!
Time for the West Indies T20 World Cup Squad, a team everyone has a time for. Last week, we analyzed 2016 World T20 finalists, England & their potential 44 players vying for the 23-men T20 World Cup squad. Today we look at their counterparts at the final who lifted the trophy.
In the last two decades, there was an impression that West Indies cricket was dying. Reminiscing at the 1908s generation was fans’ favorite pastime. Well, guess what?
I believe the 2000s T20 generation will be looked just as fondly as the 2-time 50 over winning generation or even more if they complete their hat-trick of T20 World Cup victories this time around (2012, 2016, 2021?)
West Indies have regrouped their world cup squad with 17 games in the last couple of months. Here are the results as well as the most run-scorer/wicket-taker for West Indies in each of the series.
— Broken Cricket Dreams Blog (@cricket_broken) July 15, 2021
West Indies T20 World Cup Squad – Player By Player Analysis
In order to pick the destructive West IndiesT20 World Cup Squad, we specifically pay attention to the Average + Strike Rate score for the batters along with the Economy Rate for the bowlers. A Lendl Simmons (high average, decent strike rate) is just as important as an Andre Russell (decent average, high strike rate) to this squad.
Legend
Current Status
Incumbent: Currently in West Indies’ T20I XI
Reserve: May have played for West Indies in the last two years but does not make their first XI
Out of Squad: Might have represented West Indies earlier or about to breakthrough, but have not been in the West Indies squad in the last couple of T20I series.
Verdict
🟩 Plays the first match in the T20 World Cup (17 October-14 November)
🟨 Boards the plane to UAE but might not get a look-into the XI
🟧 Wildcard Entry: Not in the current scheme of things but a good performance in the CPL (26 August-15 September) or IPL (19 September-15 October), and they might be back in the conversation.
🟥 Most likely not going to make it, but in COVID-19 World, anything is possible. They are next in the pecking order in case something out of the blue happens.
Over the past year, at the end of every series, we did a “World T20 World Cup Watch,” where a 23-men squad was chosen after latest performance. You can check them below.
It seems that Simmons makes the West Indies squad in the World Cup year and disappears for the 3-4 years in the middle. The real question is—does Simmons get the opening or #4 spot?
The Spiceman Andre Fletcher received the well-deserved call-up to the Windies side on the back of his T20 league exploits. However, he has looked out of touch in the last three series (poor run – 9, 4, 6, 12, 0, 14*, 17*). The 17* with 2 sixes in the first over in the rain truncated game against Pakistan might have just saved his spot
Last Played T20I For West Indies:November 29, 2020
Will he play the IPL?No.
CPL Team: Guyana Amazon Warriors
King rose to a West Indies cap on the back of a brilliant run in the 2019 CPL (most runs scored – 496 runs), helping Guyana qualify for the final. However, he has yet to light international cricket on fire.
Last Played T20I For West Indies:September 26, 2016
Will he play the IPL?No.
CPL Team: Barbados Royals
Provided the starts for WI in the 2016 T20 World Cup, but has been out of the international arena since. 3rd highest run-scorer in CPL 2019 after Brandon King & Lendl Simmons, he is also third in the running for the reserve opener after King & Simmons.
Last Played T20I For West Indies:November 16, 2019 (ODI: July 25, 2021)
Will he play the IPL?No.
CPL Team: Barbados Royals
Sweet timer of the ball. West Indies’ most consistent ODI batter. Inconsistent Test batter. Not the best T20 player, but an outside chance nevertheless.
Performs around the world in the PSL & CPL, he is still just in the conversation. Wicketkeeper role might give him a boost, but unlikely since Pooran & Simmons can keep wickets.
West Indies T20 World Cup Squad Verdict – Openers
Makes Team:Evin Lewis, Lendl Simmons, Andre Fletcher, Brandon King
Out of Team:Johnson Charles, Shai Hope, Chadwick Walton
4 decades, 2 World Cups, 42 international hundreds, 22 T20 tons, best of 117 175*, 215, 333 across formats, 14000 T20 runs. The Boss. Universe Boss. Doubt him at your own peril. In his own words, “Soon to 42. You guys should be happy to see Chris Gayle still on the field. Just respect the Universe Boss and let him have some fun.”
Only 24, he already has 5 ODI centuries. No doubt on his talent & flair, consistency & game situation has room to improve. Flexible floater, will be interesting what spot he will bat on.
Since his coming of age in the 2019 Cricket World Cup, Pooran has underwhelmed Since IPL 2021, he has endured several run-outs, ducks of all kind, and has been unable to finish matches. Pollard & team management back their vice-captain, and he is just beginning to come back to form. Hope he is peaking at the right time. Should definitely make the XI on pedigree. You can read his inspirational story of pain & hope here.
Replicating Brian Lara’s technique, unfortunately Darren Bravo has not been able to replicate his international career, apart from a few important overseas centuries. Much improved T20 player, where does he bat with Gayle at #3? He batted at #8 in his last WI outing…
Seen around the world in the PSL, BBL, PSL, and IPL, he is a hot commodity in the T20 circuit. Gun fielder as well, does he make the 23-squad as an X-factor?
West Indies T20 World Cup Squad Verdict – Middle Order
Makes Team:Chris Gayle, Shimron Hetmyer, Nicholas Pooran
Out of Team:Darren Bravo, Sherfane Rutherford
Spinning All-Rounders
It was clearly evident with the #4 experiment involving Simmons, Holder, & Fletcher, West Indies are trying to find a Marlon Samuels-esque insurance policy, especially a right handed middle order (to separate Lewis, Gayle, Pooran, Hetmyer) who is a part-time spinner (for UAE conditions).
The weakest area for the West Indies, most of these players below are highly unlikely to make the World Cup squad.
Will he play the IPL?Yes., IPL Team: Kolkata Knight Riders
CPL Team: Trinbago Knight Riders
He is welcome to the West Indies team if he chooses to/when he regains confidence. His international career has been thwarted by suspect action, but his T20 career has revived due to batting abilities. Great against spin, poor against pace, he has been found out at the IPL. One final flourish? Surely he makes the 23?
Last Played T20I For West Indies:April 2, 2018 (ODI: July 23, 2021)
Will he play the IPL?No.
CPL Team: Jamaica Tallawahs
Mohammed’s career is quite interesting. Debuting in 2011, he has only played 35 ODIs and 9 T20Is. Yet his performances in Regional Super50 competition merited his comeback to the extent that he even captained the West Indies as late as December 2020 in the ODI series against Bangladesh. Senior player, off-spinner – looks like Samuels on paper, but not enough international performances.
Last Played T20I For West Indies:Yet to Play (Test: June 20, 2021)
Will he play the IPL?No.
CPL Team: Saint Lucia Kings
Senior play in Tests and until recently in Jason Holder’s ‘engine room,’ Chase’s form has dropped off since the COVID break. However, he has started to play T20s and will play in the CPL. In UAE conditions, a mature batter & off-spinner like him might be an interesting choice.
Last Played T20I For West Indies:Yet to Play (Test: June 11, 2021)
Will he play the IPL?No.
CPL Team: Saint Lucia Kings
A fan favorite, excellent slip fielder, effective off-spinner, and a counterattacking batter, Cornwall has solidified his spot in Tests. Can he perform in the CPL for a late run to the World Cup spot?
29 (14), 8*(8), 19* (13), 14* (9), 34* (12), 21* (6). Fabian Allen has been a revelation as a finisher in the last four series starting from the 3 consecutive sixes against Sri Lanka. Left arm off spinner, West Indies’ best fielder (sorry Hayden), and wonderful celebration, Allen makes it to the XI without a doubt.
West Indies T20 World Cup Squad Verdict – Spinning All-Rounders
Makes Team:Fabian Allen, Sunil Narine, 1 out of Jason Mohammed, Rakheem Cornwall, Roston Chase
Out of Team:2 out of Jason Mohammed, Rakheem Cornwall, Roston Chase
Finishers/Medium Pace All-Rounders
Teams are lucky to have one legend. Apart from Gayle, this section gives 3-4 more legends to the West Indies. Luxury of riches in the fast bowling all-rounder department.
Since his captaincy stint, Pollard has entered his best phase. Taking TKR to an undefeated run to victory in the CPL, he is now a lot more mature in reading the game situation, a characteristic most other WI batters lack. He can hit it out of the ground or soak in the pressure when needed. Brilliant fielder and has the partnership breaking golden arm as well.
Will he play the IPL?Yes.IPL Team: Sunrisers Hyderabad
CPL Team: Barbados Royals
From restarting Test cricket in England post COVID break with a magnificent chase to losing his Test captaincy, he has seen all the ups and downs in the last two years. A couple of knocksunder pressure in IPL 2020, and he found his way back to the T20I side. Blocking Hasaranga in the penultimate over to save Allen was one of his recent highlights although the #4 experiment has failed. Has also had a few good bowling spells. Should make the 23-men squad, but does he make your XI?
Will he play the IPL?Yes.IPL Team: Kolkata Knight Riders
CPL Team: Jamaica Tallawahs
The highest AVE+SR for any WI batter, he will be disappointed with his low average & 50+ scores in T20I. The most destructive finisher & one of the longest hitter of the ball, he makes it to the XI. Death bowling skills is a definite plus. Needs to learn to trust batting partners in the final over and take singles/doubles.
Will he play the IPL?Yes.IPL Team: Chennai Super Kings
CPL Team: St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots
133 T20 wickets more than the next in the list, Imran Tahir, Bravo has conquered all the leagues around the world. Retiring and coming back, it seems that he has finally played his final T20I game at home. Still going strong with a career-best 4/19 against South Africa along with a 47* (34) at #5 against Australia. One final stretch for the great man.
Apart from “Remember the Name” & “Dream is Diminished,” not much of note in between for Carlos. Still possesses the X-factor and is playing in leagues like the Hundred. Since there are plenty of allrounders, the real question is, “Do the selectors remember his name?”
Known for his massive six hitting ability, Powell has been on the West Indies radar for a while, even scoring an ODI 100. He is one of the players on the fringes and this CPL will be an outright audition for him.
Skiddy bowler and useful hitter down the order, he is one of West Indies’ brightest prospects. From the 2016 U-19 World Cup fame, he rose through the ranks, even receiving the 2019 T20 Player of the Year for the West Indies. Can the 23-year old make the squad or is it too soon?
Last Played T20I For West Indies:November 29, 2020
Will he play the IPL?No.
CPL Team: Barbados Royals
A left field choice. From the da Silva-Bonner-Mayers Bangladesh fame, Mayers’ career has only gone up. 210* on debut second innings chase, he has also forced his way to the second string ODI squad. A good show with the ball in the Test against South Africa, and now you have a good all-round package. Will probably not make this squad but good to have him as cover.
West Indies T20 World Cup Squad Verdict – Medium Pace All-Rounders/Finishers
Makes Team: Kieron Pollard, Jason Holder, Andre Russell, Dwayne Bravo, Rovman Powell, Keemo Paul
Out of Team: Carlos Brathwaite, Kyle Mayers
Enjoying this article on West Indies T20 World Cup Squad so far? Subscribe below for more!
Find for the West Indies in the last couple of months. His slower deliveries are well disguised and can bowl at any point of the innings. Should not only make the 23, but also the XI.
McCoy has overtaken him in the pecking order, but still remains effective. Salute celebration, good fielding abilities, he should make it in the squad. Was on the receiving end of Tewatia’s special in IPL 2020 at UAE.
Remarkable comeback story. Debuting back in 2003, he left to England around 2012 after 165 Test wickets & 60 ODI wickets, employing his trade for Hampshire. Now back to the T20I side as a 39-year-old, he hasn’t been at his best. However, a slingy fast bowler is never a bad thing as long as he is fit.
Last Played T20I For West Indies:Have not Played Yet (ODI: July 25, 2021)
Will he play the IPL?No.
CPL Team: Jamaica Tallawahs
One of the breakthrough stars of the 2016 U-19 World Cup, he was soon fast tracked to the Test & ODI arena. Although he has yet to debut in T20Is, his 6/12 remains the best figures for Mumbai Indians in the IPL. Has also shown maturity with the bat with 86 (Test) & 29* (ODI) recently. He has the potential, but might be a toss off between him and Oshane Thomas.
West Indies’ 2019 Emerging Player of the Year, 6 foot 6, throwback to the old West Indian fast bowlers. Can be the enforcer in the middle overs. Needs to keep his economy in check though.
Last Played T20I For West Indies:Have not Played Yet (ODI: July 25, 2021)
Will he play the IPL?No.
CPL Team: Saint Lucia Kings
One of the most known celebrations in the game due to his notebook checklist, he has been in and out of the national side. Skiddy bowler, could be a handful in UAE conditions if selected.
Hasn’t been among the wickets recently (0/38, 0/37, 0/30) but is on the fringes. Selectors have him in mind so far, but CPL will define if he makes it to the UAE.
West Indies T20 World Cup Squad Verdict – Fast Bowlers
Makes Team:Obed McCoy, Sheldon Cottrell, Fidel Edwards, Oshane Thomas
Out of Team:Alzarri Joseph, Romario Shepherd, Kesrick Williams
Ex-USA international (born in U.S. Virgin Islands) with Antiguan father & uncle, who both competed at the first class level. In-and-out recently, his Player of the Series performance against Australia should safely put him in the West Indies T20 World Cup squad.
0 wickets in 6 T20I games is a concern, but he has impressed in spells. With a left-arm spinner already with Fabian Allen, it is unlikely he will get many games unless it is a ranker turner.
Will be a direct competition between Kevin Sinclair, Khary Pierre, and Akeal Hosein for the second spinner with Walsh Jr. CPL is of high importance for the three of them.
36. Khary Pierre 🟧
Current Status:Out of SquadOther Roles: Can bat a bit
T20s: 10, Wickets: 7, Best: 2/44, Economy: 9.60
T20s: 45, Wickets: 41, Best: 3/18, Economy: 7.31
Last Played T20I For West Indies:January 17 2020
Will he play the IPL?No.
CPL Team: Trinbago Knight Riders
Currently out of the reckoning for a year and a half, but anything is possible with two months to go. Spin is not West Indies’ core strength, so they might take backup.
West Indies T20 World Cup Squad Verdict – Spinners
Makes Team:Hayden Walsh Jr., Akeal Hosein, Kevin Sinclair
Out of Team:Khary Pierre
Notable Exclusions
37-42. Ashley Nurse, Joshua de Silva, Chemar Holder, Jayden Seales, Kemar Roach, Shannon Gabriel
West Indies T20 World Cup Squad
Here is the moment of truth. Based on our player-by-player analysis above, here is Broken Cricket Dreams’ Predicted XI and West Indies T20 World Cup squad.
West Indies now have a good mix of youth & experience. Along with the legends (Gayle, Pollard, Russell, Bravo), there is the next batch of players (Lewis, Pooran, Allen) and the 2016 U-19 World Cup generation (Hetmyer, Joseph, McCoy, Paul).
Captain Eoin Morgan said that he is “continuously monitoring different” individuals for the England T20 World Cup Squad. So why not help him out a bit?
Saqib Mahmood dazzled in the Pakistan-England series, Liam Livingstone and James Vince are striking the living daylight out of the white ball, and death bowlers are getting more expensive by the day.
The Hundred is upon us now. We get to see breakout stars like Chris Benjamin. However, it is unlikely they will even be considered for the upcoming T20 World Cup. On the other hand, ex-England players like Ravi Bopara, Samit Patel, Steven Finn, and Jade Dernbach make sure that the domestic game is still strong, but they will not board the plane either come November.
We analyze each and every player that is contender for the 23-men (COVID rules) T20 World Cup—when they last played for England, T20/T20I stats, where they stack with their competitors, and how many games they have to secure their spot. There are 36 strong candidates in the list with 44 overall T20 prospects for this World Cup. And no, this is not the entire depth of the English cricket team. That would take it up to 75 players depth!
Reserve: May have played for England in the last two years but does not make their first XI
Out of Squad: Might have represented England earlier or about to breakthrough, but have not been in the England squad in the last couple of T20I series.
Verdict
🟩 Plays the first match in the T20 World Cup
🟨 Boards the plane to UAE but might not get a look-into the XI
🟧 Wildcard Entry: Not in the current scheme of things but a good performance in the Hundred, T20 Blast, or IPL, and they might be back in the conversation.
🟥 Most likely not going to make it, but in COVID-19 World, anything is possible. They are next in the pecking order in case something out of the blue happens.
Over the past year, at the end of every series, we did a “World T20 World Cup Watch,” where a 23-men squad was chosen after latest performance. You can check them below.
England T20 World Cup Squad – Player By Player Analysis
In order to create the machinery for the explosive England T20 World Cup Squad, we specifically pay attention to the Average + Strike Rate score for the batters along with the Economy Rate for the bowlers. A Dawid Malan (high average, decent strike rate) is just as important as a Jason Roy (decent average, high strike rate) to this squad.
Last Played T20I For England:November 9, 2019(*ODI: July 12, 2021)
Is he in the India test series?No.Will he play the IPL?No.
Hundred Team: Southern Brave, IPL Team: None
Has the best cover drive in England. Finally showed up on the big stage with a 100 in ODI against Pakistan. Performed in other leagues around the world in the past year and continuing it with The Hundred – pushing for a spot in the squad. Maybe in the XI.
Is he in the India test series?No.Will he play the IPL?No.
Hundred Team: Welsh Fire, IPL Team: None
Burst on the scene as the next ‘KP’ with the scoops and reverse sweeps. Destructive when on fire but has received limited opportunities. Needs to make most of The Hundred if he wants to get into the England squad.
Is he in the India test series?No.Will he play the IPL?No.
Hundred Team: Trent Rockets, IPL Team: None
Dominates T20 leagues around the world. Failed drug tests, Bristol brawl, relationship with Morgan, and controversy has almost killed his international career. Time running out for that ‘conversation’ to get him back into the England team. And with like-to-like batter James Vince already having a foot in the door, it will be difficult for him to comeback.
#1 T20I batter in the world, but questions beginning to creep on his position in the XI due to spin. He is definitely a match-winner, but hope he does not lose matches on his off-days.
Is he in the India test series?No. Will he play the IPL?Yes.
Hundred Team: Birmingham Phoenix, IPL Team: Chennai Super Kings
Has to one of my the most underutilized players in the last decade. Practically played in every position and with vital IPL experience, will be key in UAE. Can he beat the competition to bat in the top-order?
Not the best T20 stats but he is a big game player. The real question is, where does he play? #3 like the IPL or as a finisher? Stokes is taking an indefinite break from all cricket.Hopefully he is okay.
One of the best ODI opening batters of all-time, a clean striker, and a wonderful player of spin, his role might change with a #4 position for the T20 World Cup.
Last Played T20I For England:May 4, 2019 (ODI: 3 July, 2021)
Is he in the India test series?Yes. Will he play the IPL?No.
Hundred Team: Trent Rockets, IPL Team: None
Chief architect of the 2016 runners-up campaign, Root has fallen off the charts in the last four years in T20 cricket. He has expressed his desire to play more T20I cricket but does not play many leagues. Lower SR than Malan, but is a valuable part-timer that might help his case.
Last Played T20I For England:Yet to Play (ODI: July 12, 2021)
Is he in the India test series?Yes.Will he play the IPL?No.
Hundred Team: London Spirit, IPL Team: None
An outside choice for the T20 World Cup, but he showed in London Spirit’s opening game of the Hundred, that he is a fluent batter – 64 (40). One of England’s future stars, a 187.29 AVE+SR is the best of any current England batters apart from Livingstone
Is he in the India test series?No. Will he play the IPL?No.
Hundred Team: Welsh Fire, IPL Team: None
With scores of 53,41 (The Hundred), 74*, 45 (Vitality Blast), 69* (County Championship), Duckett is in red-hot form and was in the Pakistan squad. He is on the fringe and definitely has the shots, courage, and innovation to succeed in T20s.
Is he in the India test series?No. Will he play the IPL?No.
Hundred Team: London Spirit, IPL Team: None
Cameback after a decade, played a few memorable knocks, but in all likelihood, selectors have left him behind. My gut says that one of the Joes will make it in the squad – Denly’s flexibility and leg break is a big plus (but Root will likely edge past him).
England T20 World Cup Squad Verdict – #3-4
Makes Team:Dawid Malan, Moeen Ali, Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root
Is he in the India test series?No. Will he play the IPL?Most Likely.
Hundred Team: London Spirit, IPL Team: Kolkata Knight Riders
Captain Morgan, captain cool. His pedigree in captaincy is still top notch but his potency with the bat has declined. Just a loss of form or signal to waning batting prowess? Does he make your XI?
Fastest T20I century by an Englishmen and probably one of the longest hitter of the ball. The most in-form batter in England, he should make the England XI.
Is he in the India test series?No. Will he play the IPL?Yes.
Hundred Team: Oval Invincibles, IPL Team: Chennai Super Kings
The ultimate team man, Sam Billings has been carrying drinks for the last four years. He should make the squad just because of his patience. Expecting a couple of cameos with the little opportunities he gets.
England T20 World Cup Squad Verdict – Finishers
Makes Team:Eoin Morgan, Liam Livingstone, Sam Billings
Last Played T20I For England:Yet to Play (July 12, 2021)
Is he in the India test series?No. Will he play the IPL?No.
Hundred Team: Northern Superchargers, IPL Team: Chennai Super Kings
Impressed with his keeping skills in the England-Pakistan series, but will most likely not make it with Buttler-Bairstow-Billings-Banton all secondary keepers.
Enjoying this article on England T20 World Cup Squad so far? Subscribe below for more!
Is he in the India test series?Yes.Will he play the IPL?Yes.
Hundred Team: Oval Invincibles, IPL Team: Chennai Super Kings
The ‘Makes Things Happen‘ guy, he is a valuable asset, especially after his Chennai Super Kings stint. Opens the bowling, bowls at the death, and can open the batting/#3 as a pinch hitter. A gun fielder as well.
Has been in-and-out of the squad since his debut. Jofra Archer’s entrance meant his spot was sacrificed on the eve of the World Cup. He should find a place in the 23-men squad, and can be played in the XI if swing on offer. Bats at he top in domestic cricket as well.
Highest wicket-taker for England in T20Is (73), his inconsistency and economy rate has seen him dropped recently. If he is in-form, he merits a place in the XI. Has the yorkers, all the variations, and one of the best fielders on the circuit.
Tom Curran is the big question. If he is in the squad, he will definitely get games but it is a risky proposition. With other allrounders in the team, will Brydon Carse, Reece Topley, and Lewis Gregory give Tom a scare? Not sure if specialist slower delivery alone is valuable in today’s era. The IPL in UAE is break or make for him.
Is he in the India test series?No. Will he play the IPL?No.
Hundred Team: Southern Brave, IPL Team: No
Matt Parkinson has nearly established himself as an understudy to Adil Rashid in the spin department. Dawson hasn’t played since 2018, but will the slow UAE pitches and left-arm spin variety force a rethink?
England T20 World Cup Squad Verdict – All-Rounders
Makes Team:Sam Curran, David Willey, Chris Jordan, Chris Woakes
Out of Team:Tom Curran, Lewis Gregory, Liam Dawson
Is he in the India test series?No.Will he play the IPL?No.
Hundred Team: Oval Invincibles, IPL Team: None
With 4/42, 2/21, 3/60, 1/46, 3/33 across formats against Pakistan, Saqib has stormed into England’s squad. Like-for-like replacement for Wood in ODIs, can he replicate his success in T20Is?
Last Played T20I For England:May 30, 2018 (ICC World XI), 2017 – last played for England
Is he in the India test series?No.Will he play the IPL?No.
Hundred Team: Southern Brave, IPL Team: None
One of the fastest in England, a poor stint with RCB in the IPL & injuries set him back for a couple of years. Still only 28, still has a long career ahead. Definitely in Morgan’s mind and considered for the World Cup due to his X-factor potential.
Is he in the India test series?No.Will he play the IPL?No.
Hundred Team: Manchester Originals, IPL Team: None
Parkinson’s 4/9 against Birmingham Phoenix was a timely reminder of his abilities. Shane Warne thinks England should pencil him for the Ashes. In turning pitches of UAE, Rashid-Parkinson can be a deadly duo.
36. Mason Crane 🟥
Current Status:Out of SquadStyle: Legbreak
T20Is: 2, Wickets: 1, Best: 1/38, Economy: 7.75
T20s: 51, Wickets: 59, Best: 3/15, Economy: 7.27
Last Played T20I For England:June 24, 2017 (Test: 7 January, 2018)
Is he in the India test series?No.Will he play the IPL?No.
Hundred Team: London Spirit, IPL Team: None
Has always been in conversation as a replacement spinner but with Rashid solidifying the limited overs spot, Dom Bess/Jack Leach receiving the vote of confidence, and Matt Parkinson’s rapid rise, Crane has not seen much of international cricket. Does not help that he his also a legspinner.
37-45. Liam Plunkett, George Garton, Danny Briggs, Tom Helm, Will Jacks, Dan Lawrence, David Payne, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson
*Since Jofra Archer is ruled out for the entire year, England still has 44 players to consider.
England XI
Based on Ben Stokes & Chris Woakes’ availability, this is my XI and England squad of 23. Eoin Morgan’s form is a concern, but doubt he will be dropped on the eve of the World Cup.
Jason Roy
Jos Buttler (WK/VC)
Ben Stokes*
Jonny Bairstow
Eoin Morgan (C)
Liam Livingstone
Sam Curran
Chris Jordan
Mark Wood
Adil Rashid
Matt Parkinson
*doubtful
Squad: 12. Moeen Ali, 13. Dawid Malan, 14. Saqib Mahmood, 15. James Vince, 16. Tom Curran, 17. Tom Banton, 18. Sam Billings, 19. Chris Woakes, 20. Reece Topley, 21. David Willey, 22. Jake Ball/Brydon Carse, 23. Joe Root/Alex Hales
For #22-23, I am going with Carse-Root. Young X-factor, and the off-spin of Root.
August 5th Update: Initially Tom Curran did not make my 23, but since Jofra Archer is ruled out, I am putting Chris Jordan in the XI and Tom Curran in the 23.
Variations in the XI
In extra spin conditions, I would play Moeen Ali & Joe Root in the top order. Better players of spin and good bowling options as well.
On a flat high scoring pitch, a death bowler who can bat like Chris Jordan would be a good punt.
If swinging conditions are available, two out of Sam Curran, David Willey, and Chris Woakes could be considered.
If you like this content on England T20 World Cup Squad, please subscribe above for FREE and follow us on our social media accounts.
Joy – Overly optimistic English cricket fan. Cheerful.
Curiosity– What is life? Why are we here? Always asks questions, glass half-full kind of person. Philosophical.
Suspicion – Why does anything even matter?Always ask questions, glass half-empty kind of person.
Disappointment – We are all doomed from the start individual.
Satisfaction – (cameo role)
The Hundred – The new couple on the block.
English Cricket – Thought he had everything figured out on 14th July, 2019, but is currently going through a mid-life crisis. Wants to be friends with the Hundred without offending County Cricket.
County Cricket – Father figure of English cricket. Abode of wisdom.
Moeen Ali & Chris Woakes(cameo role) – as Moeen Ali & Chris Woakes
Bartender – (cameo)
SETTING
Some bar in London
Curiosity and Joy were strolling down the street in London looking for County cricket but collided with a couple—The Hundred. They decide to go to a bar and started introducing themselves, but little did they know that the conversation was about to go south really quick.
ACT I: England Have Their Own League?
The Hundred: “Hi, mind if we join you? We are The Hundred. English cricket is launching us!”
Joy:“Yay! England are branding their own league!”
The Hundred: “Yes super excited! Will be great for English cricket and women’s cricket. After years of delay, we will finally get our time at glory.”
Joy:“BUT….England’s cricket is already pretty great…Anyway I will miss the T20 Blast.”
The Hundred: “Well…The T20 Blast is not going anywhere…In fact, the quarter finals resume on August 24th.”
Curiosity: “Huh? How about County Cricket?”
The Hundred: “Still There.”
Joy: “Maybe they reduced a home England series from 5 matches to 3 to accommodate you.”
The Hundred: “Nope.”
Curiosity:“What??? How will English players survive with continuous cricket?”
The Hundred: : “Simple. Rest and Rotate. Specifically for series like India and New Zealand so England are all ready to go for the high pressure Sri Lanka series.”
Chris Woakes & Moeen Ali overhear this from the next table.
Chris Woakes & Moeen Ali (together):“We have built beautiful careers out of this Rest-And-Rotate strategy.”
English Cricket: “Yep! Never a dull moment with the me.”
*Chris Woakes walks out the door. England’s team management subsequently rests Woakes till the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics.
ACT II: Who Is Even Playing?
Suspicion and disappointment walked into the bar.
Curiosity: “So, how is the Hundred different from the T20 Blast?”
The Hundred: “Just 8 franchise teams instead of 18 counties. International talent of high standard. The same franchise for both women & men play on the same day. 100 balls. Graphics. Free-to-air cricket. Fireworks. DJ. Ice cream.”
Curiosity: “OOh international talent…you mean like the Pollards and Russells and the David Warners, right?
The Hundred: “Well…except those players. They withdrew due to injuries, COVID, and international duties.”
Suspicion:“Alright spill the beans. You promised us this great international talent. Who all we missing?”
The Hundred: “Shaheen Shah Afridi & Shadab Khan won’t be there…for starters.”
Suspicion: “Starters?”
The Hundred: “And Zampa, Maxwell, Coulter-Nile, Jhye Richardson, Finch, Rabada, Pooran said bye-bye as well. And sounds like Lamichanne, who is already in England quarantining, had some visa issues, so he is gone too.”
Joy: “At least there is Ellyse Perry, Sophie Devine, and Alyssa Healy for the Women’s Hundred.”
The Hundred: “About that…Perry, Healy, Devine, Amelia Kerra, Rachael Haynes, Beth Mooney, Meg Lanning, Ashleigh Gardner and a few more withdrew due to personal reasons as well. On a positive note, India did send Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Smriti Mandhana, Deepti Sharma, and Harmanpreet Kaur. Stefanie Taylor-Deandre Dottin-Lizelle Lee-Shabnaim Ismail-Dane van Niekerk-Laura Woolvaardt are some of the other talent on show.
Joy: “All hope lies on our great World Cup winning English golden generation. Glad they are still participating!”
The Hundred: “Yes, yes they are. Except Harry Gurney retired, Olly Stone is injured,…”
*under their breath, avoiding eye contact*
“Speaking of which, Mark Wood is preparing for the India Test series, and all the English Test players will only get 2 matches (Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler, Ollie Robinson, Rory Burns, Zak Crawley, Sam Curran, Dan Lawrence, Ollie Pope, Ben Stokes, AND Jonny Bairstow.) “
Disappointment: “I am going home. Australians, West Indies, Pakistanis missing? No Indian players either. Most of our home team is not completely available either. What fun are you? Sounds like nobody is playing.”
The Hundred: “Friends, Cheer up! The Kiwis, South Africans, and Afghans are still by us. Colin de Grandhomme replaced Russell. The great Devon Conway & Quinton de Kock were signed as replacements as well.”
Joy: “I am listening.”
The Hundred: “Destructive batters like Finn Allen, Glenn Phillips, Colin Munro, Colin Ingram, Chris Lynn, D’arcy Short. Bowlers of the calibre of Adam Milne, Mohammad Amir, Lockie Ferguson, Sunil Narine, and Mujeeb-Qais-Nabi-Rashid Khan.”
Joy: “Okay that sounds a bit better.”
The Hundred: “WAIT! There’s more. There is someone else. I am forgetting his name….Car…Carl,…?
Curiosity: “Carlos Brathwaite!!!!”
The Hundred: “But truly, English talent is on show as well. World’s best keeper Sarah Taylor & Liam Plunkett will be seen after a long time. At least for a few games, England’s A, B, C teams against each other! From the Heather Knights & Joe Roots to the Eoin Morgans & Alex Hales…”
Curiosity exits: Just as things were looking positive for this new group of friends, the police office barged it and took Curiosity away with the allegation that…Curiosity killed the cat.
ACT III: The Rules
County Cricket and English Cricket enter.
Suspicion:“You mentioned 100-balls. I mean, why? What is even the point?”
The Hundred: “Shorter game. Less time. More prime-time television. We are even penalizing the fielding time. If fielding team goes over time, they will have to sacrifice a fielder into the inner circle.”
Disappointment: “100 balls, T10 cricket, Ninety-Ninety. Cricket is dying. Timeless Tests—those were the days.”
Joy: “Yay, a 16.4 over contest! Love it!”
Suspicion: “So, just a reduced 20-over contest?”
The Hundred: “But there is more! Change of end every 10 balls. So you can bowl 2 overs of 5 balls each consecutively. Did I say over? What’s in an over? From today—no more overs! Only balls. “
County Cricket: “Frankly my dear, we don’t give a damn about your balls. Why would you steal our glory for the sake of 20 balls?”
English Cricket: “English Cricket needs to be at the edge of scientific revolution with the Hundred.”
The Hundred: “You see, there is a method in our madness. We are ahead of our times. Innovation and entertainment are our middle names.”
Suspicion: “Ah innovation—So no more soft signals?”
The Hundred: “Well not that kind of innovation. More like toss on a stage, fireworks, fancy helmets, white cards, ultra-speed DRS, a new DLS algorithm, original team names. Did I mention the graphics?”
Joy: “Yay! Hot pink, bright green, & black. Love the combination. It is so colorful!”
Disappointment: “NO! Hot pink, bright green, & black. Hate the combination. It is so colorful!”
Disappointment: “This is total garbage. You are taking my precious time away from the Leicestershire Vs Yorkshire 50-over Royal London One Day Cup. “
Suspicion: “Yeah why? I mean the T20 blast had full stadiums last week. Why not re-market the T20 Blast with strict over-rate rules, ‘innovation’, and free-to-air TV? The England-Pakistan T20I series was loved by everybody. Liam Livingstone was hitting the ball across the English channel!”
Disappointment: “County Championship, T20 Vitality Blast, The Hundred, One Day Cup, Tokyo Olympics…all at the same time.”
County Cricket: “By trying to do everything at once, you are not getting anything done. And hurting the sentiments of the traditional fans. It is hurting us financially, socially, psychologically. Where has your support gone? I have been waiting, waiting, waiting….”
English Cricket: “If The Hundred captures the imagination of the fans, I will re-distribute all the wealth to all four of you.”
County Cricket: “Not buying it. Let us settle this. What do you think about cricket?
Bartender: “Cricket. What cricket? Who cricket? I don’t know of any cricket.”
Intermission
English cricket is on the verge of going crazy. *Thinking to himself*
The Hundred. Cricket. County Cricket. Fans. Kia Super League. Women’s Cricket. Wickets. Outs. Overs. Balls. Tradition. Evolution. T20. IPL. Money. England. It’s coming home. Phil Foden. Jason Roy. Sam Curran. Need to make things happen. Money. Test cricket. Dom Sibley. Axar. Embuldeniya. Sri Lanka. Super League. World Cup. Barest of Margins. More World Cups. T20 World Cups.
ACT IV: The SOLILOQUY – Something Is Rotten In the State of England
English cricket is now reflecting and talking out loud.
“To play or not to play, that is the question
Whether it is County Cricket, T20 Blast, Kia Super League, or the Hundred, it is England cricket that suffers,
Marketing, Media rights, & ticket sales of outrageous fortune,
Support traditional cricket fans & counties Or take arms against T20 cricket & the IPL
And by opposing, end English cricket. To die, to sleep
No more! And by sleep, to say we end the heart-ache and the 20 extra balls that T20 is heir to.
Free-to-air cricket—The BBC—aye there’s the rub!”
ACT V: The FINALE
Enter Satisfaction:Right as Curiosity was about to spend the night at jail, Satisfaction entered and bailed her out. She had found the lost cat and brought it back..”
Scene:Eoin Morgan is having that conversation with Alex Hales at a distance. Things finally begin to settle a bit.
County Cricket: “I have eighteen children and am concerned about their well-being. That’s all.”
The Hundred: “We are concerned about the existence of cricket in England in general. That’s all.”
Joy & Curiosity (Together):“Can we not be friends with both of you?”
English Cricket: “Well, the Hundred is not going anywhere…but neither is the County Championship…or the T20 Blast. I know I am not perfect, but can you just give me one chance? If it doesn’t work out with the Hundred for the couple of seasons, we can move on.”
At the end of the day, the heavens opened up. The ‘Lord’s’ opened it is door and Joy, Curiosity, Suspicion, & Disappointment walked hand-in-hand with County Cricket and the Hundred to proceed and watch the game.
Cultural references to William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Comedy of Errors, Romeo & Juliet, Tom Stoppard’s Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, and Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett.
The England cricket team swept the T20I series 3-0 and are marching towards the T20 World Cup next year.
England had several contributors – the charismatic Sam Curran, determined Jonny Bairstow, and consistent Dawid Malan. For South Africa, Russie Van Der Dussen and George Linde impressed, but the disappointments of a team in transition keep on increasing.
Anyway, before get ahead of ourselves, let us talk about the elephant in the room. This ODI series was supposed to start two days ago, but was CANCELLED due to a positive test and breach over the bio-secure protocols. Everyone has tested negative now, and the tour is on with revised dates, but was a genuine concern for cricket fans and administrators.
Let us move to the ODI series preview. Find out who to watch out and our predictions between South Africa and this dominant England cricket team. COMMENT BELOW WITH YOUR OPINIONS!
Eng: Key Players Rested But England Cricket Have Enough Depth
Dawid Malan, ended the T20I series with 99*, 2 MOM awards, and the MOS award, but is not part of the ODI squad. Do not worry—someone named Joe Root will slide into the #3 spot without trouble.
Sam Billings and Liam Livingstone have been making their cases for a while without cementing their spots. Is this the series for them?
Do not underestimate Jason Roy following low T20I scores. In ODIs, he will definitely make a mark.
SA: Lots Rest on Quinton de Kock and Van der Dussen’s Shoulder
South Africa are planning towards the 2023 World Cup and have rested the experienced Faf du Plessis. Hence, captain de Kock and the man-in-form der Dussen would need to do a bulk of the scoring.
Janneman Malan scored a 100 vs Australia not too long ago. After the COVID break, he would want to remind people of the promise of his talent.
David Miller did not play the T20Is but may be available for the ODIs. If he returns, South Africa will have a a potential middle order of Van der Dussen-Klassen-Miller.
Eng: Woakes and Wood Highlight the Bowling
The Bowling
Mark Wood has been excellent in the few opportunities over the past year. With Archer rested and Jordan a T20I specialist, Wood will get opportunities to showcase his talent.
Without Sam Curran, Ben Stokes, and an out-of-form Tom Curran, the fast-bowling all-round spot is a concern.
England should not miss the rested Jofra Archer because the ever-consistent Chris Woakes is back.
SA: Bowling a Concern for Rabada-less South Africa
South Africa failed to defend large scores in the T20Is. With Rabada out with a groin injury, the likes of Ngidi and Nortje will need to rise up to the occasions.
George Linde was the find of the T20I series with his finishing touch and miserly left-arm spin. If Linde and Shamsi can tie England in the middle phase, South Africa might have a shot.
Just like Miller, Phelukwayo’s return (if available) will be a large boost to this unbalanced South African side.
Moeen Ali had earlier committed to all formats but was not given a shot in the T20Is. With England sweeping the series 3-0, he may not be picked again for T20Is. So, this is his only chance to remind the public of his potential.
SA: Will Klassen Show his Klass?
Heinrich Klassen burst onto the ODI scene with a marvelous 100 against India, but has not been consistent enough. With Kyle Verreynne as the backup keeper in the squad, Klassen may not get a long window.
Prediction
Verdict: 2-1 England
For the T20I series, my prediction of 3-0 was absolutely spot on. Except it was horrendously off since the bet was on South Africa. 😅
This time, I am going for a more conservative 2-1 win in favor of the England cricket team. England should take the momentum from the T20I series and win the first game. South Africa will come back and tie the series 1-1 before a close finish should seal the deal for the world champions.
Watch out for Van der Dussen and Janneman Malan from South Africa and out-of-the-Fab-Four Joe Root and Liam Livingstone.
Whatever happens, fingers crossed for a COMPLETE series. Regardless of who wins or loses, it is the safety of the players, the trust in the bio-secure environment, and the future of bilateral cricket in the age of COVID that is at stake.
What do you think will be the series result? COMMENT BELOW AND LET US KNOW!
My Starting XI:
These are my starting XI for the first T20I (assuming everyone is available in terms of COVID and injuries).
Eng:
Jonny Bairstow, Jason Roy, Joe Root, Eoin Morgan*, Jos Buttler (WK), Sam Billings, Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood, Reece Topley
SA:
Quinton de Kock * (WK), Temba Bavuma, Janneman Malan, Rassie Van der Dussen, Heinrich Klassen, David Miller, George Linde, Andile Phelukwayo, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi, Tabraiz Shamsi
*captain
The Squads
These are the other options in the squads.
Eng: Tom Curran, Olly Stone, Liam Livingstone, Lewis Gregory
November 27th, the big day is finally here—England (Eng) vs South Africa (SA), India vs Australia, and New Zealand vs West Indies.
We will start by previewing the England vs South Africa 3-match T20I series. This series has been in the news for ominous reasons—Cricket South Africa’s administrative troubles, mixed BLM’s messages, and COVID positive cases. Now that the series is finally on, let us focus on the cricket.
My prediction for the series: South Africa 3, England 0. Read till the end to see why.
Let us know who you think will win in the comments section below!
England’s limited overs batting has so much depth they are currently practicing with Team Morgan vs Team Buttler. Eyeing the T20 World Cup, experimentation will be the focus before settling down
How many openers can they fit in? Bairstow, Roy, Buttler, and now even Stokes (Banton did not even make the T20I squad)
Dawid Malan will hold key given his stellar recent form – 16 matches, average of 48.71, 146.66 strike rate, with the best of 103*
SA: Solid Line Up But Finishers Needed
De Kock and Faf are in good touch as seen in the IPL. With Miller, Van der Dussen, Bavuma, and Klassen, they have a good mix of experience and youth
SA will definitely be steady, but can they need their power hitters and finishers come to the party. (The old Killer Miller, please come back)
Consistency will be key with this line-up. If their batsmen fire in the first match, they will be dangerous to watch for the rest of the series.
Moeen Ali has committed to all formats in the final leg of his career but how many chances does he have left in him?
Joe Root is massively underrated in T20 cricket. His contributions in the 2016 T20 World Cup were monumental, but he has been selected only for the ODI side, not the T20 side.
Will Reece Topley make a comeback?
SA: Is Dale Steyn’s international career over?
After having a poor IPL, it seems that Dale Steyn’s international career has finally come to an end.
Will Janneman Malan get to showcase his talent?
Prediction
Previous Battle
Last time England toured South Africa in February 2020 (pre-COVID times), it was a close 2-1 contest in England’s favor. The margins of victory?
SA won by 1 run, Eng won by 2 runs, and Eng won with 5 balls to spare.
The scores? 177 vs 176, 204 vs 202, 222 vs 226
If this series is going to be anywhere close, it is going to be a cracker of a contest!
Verdict: 0-3 South Africa
England definitely have better resources and will be a threat at the T20 World Cup next year, but 3-match series might not be enough time to find a settled line up. South Africa at home with a clearer batting line up and in-form bowling attack can spring a surprise.
I think South Africa will spice things up and win 3-0 due to the momentum if they start on a good note.
By the time the ODI series gets around, England will have an edge. Whatever ends up happening, this is a series that is going to have high-scoring close contests.
My Starting XI:
These are my starting XI for the first T20I (assuming everyone is available in terms of COVID and injuries).
Eng:
Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler (WK), Dawid Malan, Eoin Morgan*, Ben Stokes, Sam Billings, Sam Curran, Moeen Ali, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Chris Jordan
SA:
Quinton de Kock * (WK), Temba Bavuma, Faf du Plessis, Rassie Van der Dussen, Heinrich Klassen, David Miller, Andile Phelukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi, Tabraiz Shamsi
*captain
The Squads
These are the other options in the squads.
Eng: Tom Curran, Jason Roy, Reece Topley, Mark Wood
