LONDON: Ben Stokes surprised many by revealing his decision to sit out this year’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in order to prioritize rest, local media reported on Wednesday. This choice has prompted England to contemplate their strategy for defending the title they claimed in Melbourne in 2022. While finding a player capable of emulating Stokes’ clutch performances is daunting, England does have several potential replacements under consideration for the upcoming tournament in the USA and West Indies in June.
Below are four alternatives England may contemplate when shaping their squad for this year’s 20-over spectacle. Skipper Jos Buttler and the world’s No.2 ranked T20I batter Phil Salt seem destined to occupy spots in England’s top-order, while the promising young talent Harry Brook is poised to contribute to their title defense despite his absence from cricket this year.
With Stokes absent, England side may consider turning to Jonny Bairstow or Dawid Malan as additional batting choices, or they could opt for the highly-regarded Will Jacks to fill the void.
While none match Stokes’s ability, England boasts several proficient all-rounders, with two, Liam Livingstone (eighth) and Moeen Ali (ninth), ranking within the ICC Men’s T20I All-Rounder top 10. Both are poised to feature in England’s squad for the upcoming 20-over event. Sam Curran, the reigning T20 World Cup Player of the Tournament, will also be part of the squad.
However, there’s speculation about the inclusion of another all-rounder. Chris Jordan, often underrated, hails from Barbados and is expected to excel during matches in the world cup.
The slower-paced conditions in West Indies and the USA are conducive to spin bowling, and England boasts a plethora of talented spinners at their disposal. Adil Rashid, currently ranked as the world’s No.1 bowler, will play a pivotal role, supported by the versatility of Moeen Ali, who can effectively contribute during both Powerplays and at the death overs.
Top of Form
Alternatively, England might opt for additional firepower by considering the inclusion of Mark Wood and Gus Atkinson in their 15-man squad. Wood showcased his prowess with nine wickets in four matches during the last T20 World Cup in Australia, while Atkinson made a notable debut against New Zealand, securing a four-wicket haul in a T20I match in Manchester last year.
