As the defending champions, England enters the 2023 ODI World Cup as one of the clear favorites, setting their sights on a historic double by potentially holding both the ODI and T20 World Cups simultaneously, a feat they achieved in 2019.
While the landscape of English cricket has evolved since their narrow win over New Zealand at Lord’s, their brand of cricket has gained greater clarity. Jos Buttler, initially finding his footing as captain, has grown into the role, bolstered by their recent T20 World Cup victory.
Notable players like Eoin Morgan, Jason Roy, and Jofra Archer may not be in the mix, but England boasts competent replacements. Ben Stokes’ decision to return from retirement and the emergence of talents like Harry Brook and Gus Atkinson have left England in a comfortable position.
However, like every team, England faces its share of challenges heading into the tournament. Being the favorites does not render them immune to weaknesses. Here are three vulnerabilities in England’s 2023 World Cup squad:
1. Lack of a Reliable Second Spinner in Subcontinent Conditions: England’s strategy of prioritizing batting depth over frontline spinners has been effective in home conditions. However, this approach may falter in subcontinent conditions. England’s 2019 World Cup victory was achieved with just one spinner, but in India, this tactic is unlikely to succeed.
While they have Moeen Ali and Liam Livingstone complementing Adil Rashid in the spin department, most other teams boast multiple frontline spinners or bowling all-rounders. England’s spinners will face a significant test against teams with exceptional players of spin. If they falter, the onus will shift to the pacers.
2. Lack of Clarity in the Opening Combination: The gradual decline of Jason Roy has left a void in England’s opening department. Jonny Bairstow is their primary opener, but his partner remains uncertain. In the lead-up to the World Cup, England has experimented with Dawid Malan and Harry Brook at the top of the order.
Malan appears to be the frontrunner due to his recent form and the potential for a left-hand-right-hand combination. However, regardless of the combination chosen, inexperience may loom as Bairstow has had limited playing time with the potential opening partners.
3. Seamers’ Uncertainty in Subcontinent Conditions: England’s seam trio of Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, and Chris Woakes played pivotal roles in the previous World Cup edition. However, the shift in conditions poses a challenge. Except for Chris Woakes, none of the other seamers possesses a commendable record in subcontinent conditions. Woakes and Wood may make an impact with the new ball, but on flat pitches with an aging ball, England could face difficulties.
While Sam Curran serves as the death-overs specialist, their options for his partner are limited, especially with Ben Stokes unlikely to bowl. The presence of injury-prone bowlers like Mark Wood, Reece Topley, and Gus Atkinson adds further uncertainty, potentially disrupting England’s plans midway through the tournament.
In summary, while England enters the 2023 ODI World Cup as a formidable team, they must address these weaknesses to maintain their status as favorites and secure back-to-back World Cup victories.
