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England‘s cricketing campaign against New Zealand continues with a shift from the gripping T20I series to a highly anticipated four-match ODI showdown. The T20I series was a rollercoaster, culminating in a 2-2 draw after England jumped to a 2-0 lead but couldn’t maintain the momentum. As they transition to the ODI format, the stakes are high, especially with the ODI World Cup 2023 on the horizon.
England’s ODI squad is a star-studded assembly, guided by the capable leadership of Jos Buttler, who not only captains the side but also takes up the responsibility behind the stumps. The return of Ben Stokes from his ODI retirement is a significant boon for the team. His skill as an all-rounder promises to add a dynamic edge to England’s campaign, offering valuable contributions both with the bat and the ball.
The middle-overs, often a pivotal phase in ODIs, will rely heavily on the dependable duo of Dawid Malan and Joe Root. Their batting proficiency and ability to stabilize the innings make them key figures in England’s quest for victory.
However, England faces a setback with the absence of Jofra Archer, who is yet to recover from his injury. Despite this setback, the ODI series presents an opportunity for England to regroup, fine-tune their strategies, and prepare rigorously as they strive to defend their ODI World Cup title.
Also READ: Jos Buttler shares his thoughts on Ben Stokes’ return to ODI cricket for the World Cup 2023
England’s top-choice XI for the ODI series against New Zealand
Dynamic opening duo:
England’s opening combination for the ODI series against New Zealand will feature the explosive Jason Roy and the reliable Jonny Bairstow. Roy’s reputation as a power-hitter at the top of the order is well-established, and Bairstow complements this with his ability to provide stability while maintaining an aggressive approach. Together, they can set a strong foundation for England’s innings, immediately exerting pressure on the opposition’s bowlers.
Solid middle-order foundation:
The middle order holds the key to an ODI team’s success, and England are fortunate to have a formidable lineup in this segment. Root, the team’s most-dependable batter, brings his world-class batting skills to the shorter format. Malan, known for his consistency and adaptability, further strengthens the middle order. Buttler, who also captains the side, can play a pivotal role during the middle overs with his aggressive batting style and astute leadership.
Remarkable all-rounders:
England’s all-round options, Stokes and Sam Curran, are undeniably valuable assets. Stokes, renowned for his heroics in the unforgettable 2019 World Cup final, possesses the ability to single-handedly change the course of a game with his exceptional batting and bowling talents. Curran, with his dual proficiency in both batting and bowling, provides the team with the much-needed balance. These two players offer versatility and are poised to make significant impacts, especially during critical junctures of the game.
Multifaceted bowling arsenal:
The bowling department is a critical component of England’s arsenal and should feature Mark Wood, Chris Woakes, Adil Rashid and David Willey. Wood’s express pace can disconcert any batting lineup, while Woakes’ knack for swinging the ball and grabbing crucial wickets is a valuable asset. Rashid introduces a spinning dimension to the attack with his leg-spin variations, and Willey’s left-arm swing can help strike early blows. This well-rounded bowling unit offers variety and depth to the team’s resources.
Overall, England’s ideal eleven for the ODI series against Blackcaps encompasses a dynamic opening pair, a resilient middle order, versatile all-rounders, and a multifaceted bowling attack. Each player brings a distinct skill set to the table, making the team a formidable and balanced unit ready to take on the challenges posed by New Zealand.
England’s ODI squad for New Zealand series:
Jos Buttler (captain), Moeen Ali, Gus Atkinson, Jonny Bairstow, Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone, Dawid Malan, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, Reece Topley, David Willey, Mark Wood, Chris Woakes
Harry Brook (batting cover)
