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The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has recently unveiled its preliminary 15-member squad for the highly anticipated T20 World Cup 2024, scheduled to be held in the United States of America (USA) and the West Indies from June onwards. Leading the charge for the English side is the explosive batter, Jos Buttler, who is set to spearhead the team’s campaign in pursuit of another title triumph.
Explosive batting lineup
England’s squad boasts a formidable lineup of power-hitters, ready to wreak havoc on opposition bowlers. The inclusion of players like Jonny Bairstow, Ben Duckett, Phil Salt, Will Jacks and Liam Livingstone adds immense firepower to the batting unit, capable of decimating any bowling attack on their day.
All-round prowess and return of Jofra Archer
Complementing the batting prowess is the all-round brilliance of players like Sam Curran and Moeen Ali. With the ability to contribute significantly with both bat and ball, these dynamic all-rounders provide valuable balance to the squad, enhancing its versatility in various match situations.
One of the most notable inclusions in the squad is the return of speedster Jofra Archer. Known for his express pace and ability to trouble batters with his lethal deliveries, Archer’s comeback adds a potent weapon to England’s bowling arsenal, strengthening their chances of success in the tournament.
Also READ: Former England cricketer dismisses India’s challenge for the T20 World Cup 2024
Absence of key players
Despite the formidable squad named by England, a few notable omissions have raised eyebrows. Some key players who played pivotal roles in England’s triumph in the previous edition of the T20 World Cup have failed to make the cut, signaling a shift in the team’s strategy or a focus on emerging talent.
4 England players from 2022 T20 World Cup who didn’t make it to 2024 edition:
1. Alex Hales
In the T20 World Cup 2022, Alex Hales emerged as a linchpin in England’s batting order, blending consistency with impactful performances. Over six matches, his bat wielded magic, amassing an impressive 212 runs at an average of 42.40, with a resolute unbeaten 86* as his pinnacle. Boasting a striking strike rate of 147.22, Hales was not just a run accumulator but a dynamic force capable of quick accelerations when needed. Despite his prowess, Hales bid adieu to international cricket in August 2023, retiring at 34, leaving behind a legacy crowned with a T20 World Cup triumph.
2. Ben Stokes
Ben Stokes, the epitome of an all-rounder, illuminated England’s journey in the 2022 T20 World Cup with his versatile brilliance. His bat spoke volumes, averaging 36.66 across five innings, punctuated by a gutsy unbeaten 52*. Yet, it was his wizardry with the ball that truly shone, claiming six crucial wickets in six matches, boasting an impressive bowling average of 18.50. Despite his indispensable contributions, Stokes opted out of England’s 2024 T20 World Cup squad, prioritizing rejuvenation for future endeavors.
3. David Malan
David Malan’s presence in the 2022 T20 World Cup added depth and resilience to England’s batting lineup. Though his contributions might have flown under the radar, his stability at the crease was invaluable. Across four matches, he crafted 56 runs at an average of 28.00, underscoring his ability to anchor innings when needed. Despite being overlooked for the 2024 T20 World Cup squad, Malan, still a global top-ten T20I batter, remains a potent force in England’s cricketing arsenal.
4. Chris Woakes
Chris Woakes, a steadfast pillar in England’s bowling arsenal, left an indelible mark on the 2022 T20 World Cup campaign. Despite limited opportunities with the bat, his true mettle shone through his seam bowling prowess. Bagging five crucial wickets in six matches at an average of 34.40, Woakes epitomized control and precision, maintaining an economy rate of 8.60. While his exclusion from the 2024 T20 World Cup squad may raise eyebrows, Woakes, with his experience and versatility, remains a potential game-changer in England’s cricketing landscapes especially in the red ball cricket.
