June 28, 2024

Post-T20 World Cup: Which Players Should England Retain or Release?

Against India yesterday (June 27), England’s dreams of defending their T20 World Cup crown were dashed. With neither white-ball World Cup trophy in their possession, the team faces challenging decisions regarding which squad members to retain as they approach a new era.

For the first time in five years, England has not won a world championship in either white-ball format. As many key players from their golden generation have moved on, evaluating the remaining squad and strategizing for the future is essential.

The Cuts

While some promising new faces have been integrated, it’s time for a decisive break from the lingering remnants of the past. Two prominent figures in England’s defeat to India were Jonny Bairstow and Moeen Ali. Bairstow’s form had been under scrutiny from the tournament’s outset. However, he delivered a solid performance against the West Indies, and his reckless dismissal against Axar Patel—resulting in a three-ball duck—proved crucial to England’s downfall. 

It’s not just his lack of runs during the tournament that raises concerns, but also how he has struggled to score. At his best, Bairstow would easily make any T20 lineup. Still, with doubts about his return to form and the clock ticking on his career, England has viable alternatives ready to step in.

Moeen Ali, at 37, is unlikely to target the next 50-over World Cup and will be pushing 39 by the next T20 edition. 

His contributions during this tournament were minimal, and his batting position remains to be determined. With younger off-spinning all-rounders emerging, it may be time for England to move on from Moeen.

Chris Jordan wasn’t a lock to start the tournament, but he ended up taking the joint most wickets for England. However, four of his ten wickets came during a dominant performance against the USA, and he proved expensive throughout. With the next T20 World Cup scheduled to take place in Sri Lanka—where his effectiveness may be limited—and given his advancing age, Jordan is another player who may be on the way out.

Mark Wood also had a challenging tournament and didn’t appear in England’s final two matches. In his mid-30s and known for his injury struggles, now might be the right time for England to streamline his involvement in formats. Emerging talent like Gus Atkinson is poised for a more extended opportunity.

Adil Rashid and Jos Buttler, two stalwarts of England’s 2015-19 era, present different considerations. Rashid remains England’s premier white-ball leg spinner and is currently the No. 1 T20I bowler in the world. As long as he wishes to continue, a spot in the team will always be available for him. Meanwhile, at only 33, Buttler’s future is less certain, whether he will lead as captain in the next tournament or return to a supporting role. With six months into a four-year cycle leading to the next 50-over World Cup, now is the opportunity for England to reassess their captain-coach dynamic.

The Keeps

As England looks to build their next cycle, Harry Brook emerges as a central figure in the batting lineup. By far the standout performer among England’s batters in this tournament, Brook represents the future of their all-format ambitions. Prioritizing his position further up the order will be essential.

Phil Salt has also silenced previous doubts about his place in the format, solidifying his role as one-half of the opening partnership. If England decides to move Jos Buttler down to strengthen the middle, Will Jacks could slot into the other opening position. Although Jacks faced challenges this tournament and was dropped after just three matches, his impressive franchise cricket record suggests he has the potential to thrive if allowed to develop.

There are also solid foundations for a formidable pace attack. As long as Jofra Archer and Reece Topley can maintain their fitness, they represent long-term assets for the team. Topley has arguably been England’s top white-ball pacer over the last two years despite missing crucial matches due to injury. On the other hand, Archer has maintained his fitness throughout the Pakistan series and this tournament. His ability to stay healthy, especially with a planned return to red-ball cricket next year, will be critical for England’s success across all formats.

The Question Marks

Eighteen months after being named Player of the Tournament at the T20 World Cup, Sam Curran finds himself at a crossroads. He did not start in England’s tournament-opening match and struggled to make an impact when brought in later. Curran thrived in Australia, where the significant boundaries and favorable air movement suited his bowling style perfectly. Without those conditions, he hasn’t performed at the same level. With Reece Topley providing a left-arm option and numerous all-rounders available, England has other ways to balance their XI. However, at just in his mid-20s, Curran still has time to regain his form. A stint on the sidelines might allow him to rediscover his best self.

Liam Livingstone also poses a question for the selectors. Last year, he showed signs of moving towards consistency rather than volatility, especially after being promoted up the order. If England reconfigures the top order, it could open the door for Livingstone to assume a higher batting position again. He also demonstrated his value with the ball during this tournament. Nevertheless, the pressing question remains: how long can England wait for his potential to fully materialize?

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