England's T20 World Cup Squad: Surprises and England's World Cup Chances
England announced their T20 World Cup 2022 squad on Friday and, as there usually are with squad announcements, there are a couple of interesting selection choices and omissions. The large core of the squad is similar to the squad that got bowled out for 101 and 149 in a 2-1 series loss to South Africa, with 12 players in that squad featuring in the World Cup Squad. After reviewing the squad, these are the selection choices I have deemed the most noteworthy. If you think there are any others, please feel free to leave a comment.
Jason Roy
Jason Roy’s omission from the T20 World Cup Squad is the most public omission, even though his recent white ball struggles are well documented. After scoring 51 in 6 games in the Hundred and averaging 18 with the bat at a strike rate of 104 in T20Is in 2022, there’s more than enough evidence to leave him out.
Even his reputation as a world-class striker of the ball has lost its clout, especially considering England have such high levels of batting depth. Players such as Phil Salt would be eager to take the opportunity left by him and open the batting at a World Cup.
Tymal Mills
Tymal Mills’ inclusion as a travelling reserve rather than a main squad member is a signal of the England selectors’ minds. There is no doubt that Mills, with his variations and explosive pace, is a skilful bowler. However, he had an underwhelming IPL in April 2022 with Mumbai Indians, unable to execute his yorkers and defensive bowling measures to the usual precision he brings.
Factoring in the impressive performances of left arm duo Reece Topley and David Willey in recent T20Is versus South Africa, there just does not seem to be space for Tymal Mills. The selectors realise that Mills won’t be bowling for too much longer, and are trying to strengthen England’s long term future.
James Vince: Why was he not Included?
With Jonny Bairstow sustaining a “freak golfing accident”, Jason Roy being dropped and Jos Buttler not being in the best of form internationally, the need for an experienced batsmen at the top of the order is clear. Someone who has a proven record in domestic cricket and seems to be the perfect solution is James Vince.
Regularly on the fringes of English selection and having churned out runs for Hampshire and in the BBL, Vince has technique as good as any and will provide a good counter-balance to the attacking exploits of Liam Livingstone, Jos Buttler and Moeen Ali - performing a similar role to Dawid Malan. The difference, however, between Malan and Vince is that Vince starts strongly and scores quickly, motoring on while Malan may take his time. James Vince’s qualities mean that he would fit in as an opener alongside Jos Buttler, with Phil Salt at 4, or as a number 4, with Salt opening with Buttler.
England’s World Cup Chances
England without a doubt have an extremely all-rounded squad with depth in all departments. Their left arm duo of Willey and Topley are in prime form to wreck through top teams’ batting orders, Adil Rashid will be looking to have an impact in Australian conditions, and some batters, such as Phil Salt, are in good form. Everyone in the squad is justifiably there and has played well in white ball cricket at some point over the last couple of years.
However, after a pretty poor summer by their own summers - with 2-1 losses to South Africa and India - there will be a lack of confidence creeping in. In their group, they will be facing last year’s finalists (Australia and New Zealand) as well as dark horses Afghanistan in the group stages, so the first priority will be qualifying for the semi finals as the top 2 in their group. There is a chance to achieve something special, but the batting fragility needs to be addressed in the pre-tournament T20I tour of Pakistan.