One year ago, England was the most dominant whiteball team in the world. The Three Lions held the ODI and T20 World Cup in their arsenal. After consecutive disastrous World Cups, England has been forced to rebuild their side.
England relinquish both ODI and T20 trophies
After dramatically beating New Zealand in 2019 to win England’s first World Cup, it marked the start of English dominance in the shorter formats of the game. The rest of the world watched in amazement at the style of cricket England played. Led by Irishman Eoin Morgan, England went from group stage exit in 2015 to World Cup winners in 2019.
Consequently, with English cricket dominating the world, England was the favourite to win both trophies in the shorter format. A narrow defeat to New Zealand in the semi-final of the 2021 World Cup scampered those chances. Morgan’s evitable retirement gave the reign to Jos Buttler, who began leading the side in shorter formats.
Buttler started his captaincy in terrific style, leading England to World Cup glory in 2022. The three Lions beat Pakistan to become the first to hold both trophies. As a result, England were favourites to retain the trophy in India ahead of the World Cup in 2023. Pundits and former players regarded England as getting into the final. In reality, fans watched as Buttler’s side was dismantled and eliminated in the group stages.
English fans were hoping for a better result in the T20 World Cup; however, they didn’t fare any better. Jos Buttler’s side never looked convincing and remained a shadow of their former self. Despite making it to the semi-final stage again, India knocked England out. Subsequently, head coach Mathew Mott was sacked by the English Cricket Board, whereas Buttler remained captain.
Experimental eleven set to face Australia
Chief selector Luke Wright has had difficulty selecting a squad to face Australia. Many players are impressing on the domestic and international stage, and the squad to face Australia is a balance of experienced players and some new faces.
Jacob Bethell, who shone in England’s second T20 against Australia, is joined by fellow newcomers Jamie Smith, who has shone with the test side this summer. Additionally, John Turner joined the squad, and in a similar vein, Saqib Mahmood was recalled following a stellar return from injury. Experienced players include Harry Brook who will lead in the side, Ben Duckett, and Liam Livingstone, who will be hoping to cement his place in the middle order. The tail consists of England’s reliable asset in Adil Rashid and the pace of Jofra Archer and Olly Stone will be on display against Australia.
A series win over the defending ODI champions puts England in good stead as they look to form a World Cup-winning side for the Champions Trophy. Australia are the most dominant side in cricket at the moment after their stellar year in which they retained the Ashes and won the ODI World Cup.
Key to Australia’s success is their leg spinner Adam Zampa, who is crucial in the middle overs and their key wicket-taking option. At the start of an innings, Australia’s fast bowlers, Josh Hazelwood and Mitchell Starc, will pose England’s biggest threat. Jake Fraser-McGurk is a rising prospect on the international stage and will look to smash bowlers all over the ground as he cements his place in Australia’s squad.
Harry Brook captains England
The only absence in the England squad is captain Jos Buttler. The Lancashire player suffered a calf injury prior to the Hundred Staring. Initially, it was estimated that Buttler would only miss the T20s against Australia. Buttler has since spoken out and stated he will not play again this summer.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Jos Buttler said, “My recovery is a bit slowed than I hoped. I’m going to miss the ODI series as well which is a shame. At my age I have to make sure I get it right, it’s a shame that I miss some cricket.”
“I want to get it right there’s a lot to look forward to in the future.”
Whilst this is a blow to Buttler, it gives Harry Brook the opportunity to lead the side. The Yorkshireman led Northern Superchargers this summer and was Ollie Pope’s vice-captain this summer in the test series. It also allows the ECB to look at potential captains in the future as Buttler nears the end of his career.