ICC World Cup 2019 – Final: NZ vs ENG – England Predicted Playing XI

England, where the sport cricket originated, is one of those few teams which is yet to bring a Cricket World Cup home. They had a shot at glory thrice so far in 1979, 1987 and 1992. But on each of these three instances, they fell one step short bringing great misery and agony. Since they emerged as the runners-up in ’92, it has been a long wait for the Brits.

But after 27 years now, they’ve got an opportunity to add another prestigious trophy to their cabinet. The team is on a roll at the moment winning a hat-trick of games including the semi-final against Australia. There would be no better sight for an English fan than to watch the team lift the World Cup, for the first time, in front of a packed Lord’s stadium. Yet, they’ll have to be wary of the threat from New Zealand and play good cricket yet another time in the tournament.

Here is the Predicted Playing XI for England

Openers (Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow)

Jason Roy is oozing with confidence at the moment and seems to be literally unstoppable. He was the one who guided England into the final with the bat with his 65-ball 85. Although he was wrongly adjudged out, Roy made quite a mark by then and ensured that his team couldn’t lose the game. England will need Roy to fire once again at the top of the order as their dream isn’t far away from turning into reality.

Jonny Bairstow was restricted to being the second fiddle in the last game. But he is a match-winner in his own rights and enjoys the big stage. Bairstow will be positive about rising up to the challenge for one last time in the tournament but will have to be careful against the likes of Trent Boult and Matt Henry.

Middle Order (Joe Root, Eoin Morgan (c), Jos Buttler (wk))

Joe Root has scored his runs at a very good strike rate and hasn’t taken too many risks either in the tournament. He is a treat to watch when he gets going. If he walks out to bat early in the innings, Root has got to ensure that he stays in the middle till the end of the 50th over and get a big score in the process.

Eoin Morgan has got some important runs in the semi-final against Australia and that should boost his confidence. He will be crucial for England at No. 4. Jos Buttler’s form with the bat is the only bit of concern for the Brits. The wicketkeeper-batsman hasn’t been at his best so far and can turn the tables upside down on a given day.

All Rounders (Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes)

There wasn’t much to do for Ben Stokes in the last game and he failed in the game before that against New Zealand as well. He took 27 balls to score 11 runs in that match towards the end of the innings. Stokes shouldn’t repeat such a mistake in the final and should do better against the same opposition.

Chris Woakes had a fabulous outing against Australia and was also the ‘Man of the Match’ in that game. He is brilliant with the new ball and when the conditions are slightly favourable, he is almost unplayable. Woakes picked up three wickets against the Aussies and was highly economical. England will want another performance of similar sorts from him.

Bowlers (Liam Plunkett, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood)

Liam Plunkett is usually good through the middle overs with his variations. England is unlikely to sideline him for this last game and thus he should get another chance. Jofra Archer, without a doubt, is a must in the team. He is terrifying and hits great areas more often than not. He will be the key in the bowling department for his team.

Adil Rashid, on the other hand, will hope to continue with the good work from the last game. The leg-spinner picked up three wickets and will aim for one final kill. Mark Wood will wrap this English eleven up and has been doing a fair job for the team.