England are one of the favorites to win the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2022 with the Super 12 stage starting on October 22, 2022. They will be looking to make amends for their performances after being knocked in the semi-finals stage during the 2021 T20 World Cup played in UAE.
England are placed in the group of death with the likes of New Zealand, Australia, Afghanistan, winners of Group A from qualifiers and runner-up of Group B from qualifiers. Jos Buttler will be leading the side after Eoin Morgan stepped down from international cricket this year.
Their only title in the T20I format came during the 2010 edition in West Indies. England made it into the finals of the 2016 edition played in India. England is currently taking part in a three-match T20I series against Australia to get used to the conditions. It will be ideal preparation for Jos Buttler and Co. to face the defending champion.
A brilliant start to the series! 👍
🇦🇺 #AUSvENG 🏴 pic.twitter.com/5XjzRdVyhi
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) October 9, 2022
They play their opening T20 World Cup game against Afghanistan October 22, at Optus Stadium, Perth. Before this, they will feature in two warm-up matches. Ahead of that, we look at the 3 reasons why England can win the T20 World Cup 2022.
#1 Explosive batting line-up
England are one of the most feared batting lineups in the T20I format. In the first T20I match against Australia at Optus Stadium, Buttler and Alex Hales added 132 runs for the opening wicket, laying a strong foundation for 208.
England can destroy any opponent attack with their explosive batting line-up. Dawid Malan, Phil Salt, Harry Brooks, and Moeen Ali comprise the batting order. If the conditions are batting-friendly, Jos Buttler and other batters can put enough pressure on the opposition bowling attack.
Liam Livingstone missed out on the T20I series against Pakistan and Australia due to injury. If he comes into the playing XI, England can create enough impact in the first six overs and continue the momentum.
With the likes of Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow missing the tournament, England would be looking for their openers to provide explosive starts in the first six overs and then proceed the same for the rest of the innings.
#2 Return of Ben Stokes
The return of all-rounder Ben Stokes has made England a better unit. He missed last year’s T20 World Cup in UAE due to personal reasons. Stokes can change the course of the game with his batting abilities and grab wickets to stem the flow of runs in middle orders. The all-rounder failed to contribute in the first T20I against Australia, managing only nine runs.
With the return of Stokes and other all-rounders like Sam Curran and Moeen Ali, England will be a handful and can win prestigious title for the second time. With Liam Livingstone doubtful for the T20 World Cup 2022, Stokes could bat up the order and create an impact with his explosive batting.
#3 Varied bowling lineup
England have a varied bowling line-up with the likes of Reece Topley and David Willey who can swing the ball in helpful bowling conditions. Mark Wood has sheer pace that can trouble the batters easily.
Apart from these bowlers, Chris Woakes can put pressure on opposition batters with his swing. Moeen and Adil Rashid are the two spinners key for England with big boundaries. Stokes is another option that England can rely on to pick wickets in the middle order. If the bowling unit clicks together, then Jos Buttler and Co. could become champions for 2nd time.
England T20 World Cup squad: Jos Buttler (C), Moeen Ali, Harry Brooks, Sam Curran, Chris Jordan, Liam Livingstone, Dawid Malan, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Ben Stokes, Reece Topley, Dawid Willey, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood.
Reserves: Tymal Mills, Liam Dawson, Richard Gleeson.
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