Ten top teams will battle it out for cricket’s ultimate prize in England and Wales within few days. Today Bangladesh Post analyzes the chances and potential of the host nation England in this World Cup. Hosts, favourites, will the Cricket World Cup trophy finally have England’s name on it? As part of a busy summer, which also includes their attempt to win back the Ashes, England go into the Cricket World Cup looking to lift the trophy for the first time.
And the optimism around the team is well-placed given their recent form, which has included twice breaking the record for highest ODI score. Four of the last five 400+ scores in ODI cricket have been hit by England, with Jonny Bairstow, Jason Roy, Joe Root, Eoin Morgan and Jos Buttler forming a formidable batting line-up.
It says a lot that Alex Hales’ deselection after his ban for recreational drug use only weakens the squad depth, rather than the likely starting XI. England thrashed Australia home and away in ODI cricket last year, while their stunning form also includes victory against India. Different players have contributed to each of the wins – Root hitting back-to-back centuries in the comeback against India, for example, while Bairstow also enjoyed a run of 100s earlier in the year.
Morgan was their top batsman against Sri Lanka over the winter, meanwhile, and Buttler has racked as part of a busy summer, which also includes their
attempt to win back the Ashes, England go into the Cricket World Cup looking to lift the trophy for the first time. Their bowling has come good too and the only question mark remaining is whether Jofra Archer will be added to their pace attack for the tournament. But a strong team on paper is no guarantee of victory – particularly given England’s previous World Cup record.
England are rightly favourites for this tournament, with home advantage and a batting order packed with quality.Regardless, if England can overcome their propensity to slip-up on the big one-day occasion, they can finally end their long wait for a World Cup win.