The defending champions England announced a power-packed squad for the T20 World Cup 2024 hosted by the USA and West Indies. One of T20 cricket’s brightest stars, Jos Buttler will lead the side and look to improve after their disappointing performances from the ODI World Cup 2023 in India.
The Three Lions are slotted in Group B alongside arch-rivals Australia, Scotland, Oman and Namibia. With around 25 days left for the showpiece T20 event, let us look at how England could line up for the 2024 World Cup.
England’s probable Playing XI for T20 World Cup 2024
Openers: Jos Buttler (c) (wk), Phil Salt
Kicking things off for England will be captain Jos Buttler and Phil Salt forming one of the best opening partnerships in world cricket. Buttler has grown into a T20 legend and found some form in the ongoing IPL but Salt will be crucial for the Three Lions. The right-handed basher has been in the form of his life and scored runs at a blistering rate across multiple tournaments at a consistent clip.
#PAGE_BREAK#
Middle-order: Jonny Bairstow, Will Jacks, Harry Brook, Liam Livingstone
After a formidable opening pair, England could boast of a dangerous middle order comprising Jonny Bairstow, Will Jacks, Harry Brook and Liam Livingstone. Three of the four batters have been in decent form with Brook returning to action in County cricket. Alongside explosive stroke play, this quartet offers England close to six overs of spin with Jacks and Livingstone bowling well in the IPL and could be vital in slowish conditions of the West Indies.
#PAGE_BREAK#
Lower-order: Moeen Ali, Sam Curran
Rounding off England’s batting, the Three Lions could enlist the services of two key players – Moeen Ali and Sam Curran. Both players will be crucial in both departments and could emerge as the difference between winning and losing for England. Ali, probably in the twilight of his career, will look to maximise the conditions while Curran will be a go-to option for Buttler whenever the team needs a breakthrough.
#PAGE_BREAK#
Bowlers: Adil Rashid, Reece Topley, Mark Wood
Talking about the bowling attack, England could field Adil Rashid as a wicket-taking leg-spinner alongside the fast-bowling duo of Reece Topley, and Mark Wood. Rashid has been a consistent performer for the Three Lions while Topley and Wood will be responsible for taking wickets across all phases of play.
