England begin their 2022 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup campaign tomorrow with their Group 1 opener against Afghanistan in Perth as Jos Buttler looks to get his hands on his first piece of major international silverware as captain.
We are still, of course, the reigning world champions in the 50-over format and there are high hopes that in less than a month’s time, we could add another T20 World Cup to our trophy cabinet.
Ahead of the start of the Super 12, we’ve rounded up everything you need to know…
England
Things have not been easy for England ahead of the tournament, with injuries ruling out some big names.
Jofra Archer is arguably the best player in the world in the format when fit but won’t be available while Jonny Bairstow’s freak injury means we’re without one of the most feared batters around and Reece Topley’s absence, announced this week, is a gutting blow for both the player and the team.
But such is the strength in depth available to us at the moment that Buttler and Matthew Mott still have arguably the best squad in the tournament.
Buttler is one of the most explosive batters in world cricket while his likely partner at the top of the order, Alex Hales, knows how to dominate in Australia and the other option, Phil Salt, is a proper talent.
A middle-order that includes the likes of Dawid Malan, Liam Livingstone, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes, Moeen Ali, and Sam Curran will strike fear into any bowling attack.
Mark Wood is back and delivering absolute thunderbolts while Curran has become a real quality T20 bowler, Chris Jordan has been there and done it all, Chris Woakes is as classy as ever, and Tymal Mills is specialist in the format.
We don’t need to tell you just how good Adil Rashid and Mo are with the ball but the spin twins will be vital to our hopes.
It’s all looking pretty good, it has to be said.
Full squad: Jos Buttler (c), Moeen Ali, Harry Brook, Sam Curran, Alex Hales, Chris Jordan, Liam Livingstone, Dawid Malan, Tymal Mills, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Ben Stokes, David Willey, Chris Woakes, and Mark Wood.
Who else to watch out for
On home turf, the Aussies will always back themselves and it would be no surprise to see them go deep again after winning last year’s tournament.
India have not produced their best in ICC competitions recently but there are some very dangerous players in their squad – the likes of Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya – and will fancy their chances even with Jasprit Bumrah injured.
Pakistan’s weak middle order is what may hold them back but a side with Babar Azam and Mohammed Rizwan opening up and pace bowlers like Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf are always going to be in contention.
South Africa are considered dark horse by some and head into the tournament in great form. They’ll need Quinton de Kock and David Miller to go well with the bat while English fans should know first hand just what lightning quicks Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje can do.
The tournament structure
As with the other international big hitters (bar the West Indies, England enter the tournament at the Super 12 stage.
Joining them in Group 1 is Afghanistan, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka while Group 2 is made up of Bangladesh, India, Netherlands, Pakistan, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.
The teams will play everyone else in their group, with the top two sides from each progressing to the semi-final stage.
The winners of those knock-out games will meet in the final with the 2022 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup trophy on the line.
The schedule
Super 12
Saturday 22/10 – v Afghanistan @ Perth Stadium, Perth
Wednesday 26/10 – v Ireland @ MCG, Melbourne
Friday 28/10 – v Australia @ MCG, Melbourne
Tuesday 01/11 – v New Zealand @ The Gabba, Brisbane
Saturday 05/11 – v Sri Lanka @ SCG, Sydney
Semi-finals
Wednesday 09/11 @ SCG, Sydney
Thursday 10/11 @ MCG, Melbourne
Final
Sunday 13/11 @ MCG, Melbourne
Prediction
Injuries have not been kind to England and there are some dangerous teams out there but there is just so much talent in Buttler’s squad.
With Woody flinging down thunderbolts, the skipper smashing it at the top of the order, and some ridiculous options from 1 to 11, this just might be our year.
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