ICC World Cup 2019: Match 24, ENG vs AFG – England Predicted Playing XI

After failing to create any considerable impact in the first few games, Afghanistan now face the most daunting task of this tournament to face the hosts, England. The Asian side have been underwhelming in all departments of the game, making this contest look pretty one-sided even before the sides take the field.

England had some injury scares in the previous game but they nevertheless won the game comfortably against Windies. Chris Woakes came in to bat at number three and did a fine job whilst Joe Root, who was made to open, scored his second century of the tournament.

Both these sides have remained away from all the rain which interrupted so many games and they’ll be hoping for the rain gods to remain away once again. England can keep hold of their position on top of the table if they win this contest and even a win will not help Afghanistan better their position on the table.

Openers  (James Vince, Jonny Bairstow)

Jason Roy has been a huge part of this contingent and it has been confirmed that he will miss the next few games. James Vince got some good scores in the few games he got to play in the last couple of months, which makes him a very capable and potent replacement in the playing XI. The 28-year-old doesn’t boast a lot of experience, but he has shown enough talent to be the first choice backup.

Jonny Bairstow has been getting starts and has thrown away a couple of good chances to score big. He’s in great form ever since the calendar year started and after a disappointing first-ball duck in the tournament opener, he registered some decent scores. He still is due a big knock and he will also face a serious challenge against the quality spinners like Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi.

Middle order  (Joe Root, Eoin Morgan (c)/Moeen Ali, Jos Buttler)

Eoin Morgan too walked out of the field halfway through against Windies and his involvement in this game is still not confirmed. If he fails to recover, Moeen Ali will be taking his place in the XI with Jos Buttler becoming the captain. Joe Root has been in unbelievable form and will be desperate to get another big score.

Moeen Ali has not been getting a lot of opportunities with the overcast conditions forcing Morgan to go with an extra fast bowler. He is preferring the leg-spinning option, Adil Rashid but the management might be forced to make him a part of tomorrow’s XI.

All-rounders (Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes)

Ben Stokes is finding his form back after a very dry spell in his career. The all-rounder kick-started the tournament with a man of the match performance and is looking good with the ball. Jos Buttler might make him bowl more overs in this game than he did previously.

Chris Woakes chipped in with a valuable contribution with the bat during adverse conditions and ensured England didn’t feel the absence of the injured batters. He will be crucial once again in both departments. He just picked up four wickets in the tournament but has been bowling in good channels.

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

Jofra Archer has been their most effective bowler in the tournament and already has picked up 9 wickets in the first four games. Once England confirms their status in the semifinals, he might be the first person to get rested in this squad for his overwhelming. Adil Rashid has picked up just two wickets and will be eager to add more to his tally.

Mark Wood was impressive against West Indies and was bowling in the high 140s throughout the game. He troubled the batters with his extra pace and that could keep him in the XI for the game. Liam Plunkett and his experience is coming into picture pretty much every game and will be keen to add to his 4-wicket tally in this game.