T20 World Cup 2021: Strongest England Predicted Playing XI against West Indies

England will battle it out against West Indies in their opening fixture of the T20 World Cup. The team’s batting appears promising with the likes of Jason Roy, Jos Buttler, Jonny Bairstow at the top order. Skipper Eoin Morgan’s form is one of the worries for the side heading into this match.

The absence of some of the key names might haunt the team in the mega event. The team finished as the runners-up in the last edition of the tournament and then went on to taste the ICC trophy glory in 2019 by clinching the 50-over World Cup. Currently ranked number one team in the ICC T20I rankings, England would want to put their best performance to the fore.

Though England started the year with a loss during their tour to India in March, they emerged triumphant against Pakistan and Sri Lanka. They beat Pakistan  2-1 at home in July and Sri Lanka 3-0, also at home. Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, Dawid Malan, and David Willey further provide strength and depth to their batting lineup.

Here is England’s strongest Playing XI for ENG vs WI Match:

Openers- Jos Buttler and Jason Roy

With the likes of Buttler and Jason Roy opening the innings for the side, England can dominate the proceedings at any given time. Both of them have been instrumental in providing flying starts to the team and will be determined to perform for the side. Both the openers got to a decent start in the warm-up game against India.

Buttler, however, exuded his fiefdom in the next practice match against New Zealand. The keeper-batter played an impressive knock of 73 runs which included as many as eleven fours and two sixes. He is one of the key players of the side and will look forward to taking the momentum ahead in the tournament.

Middle Order- Dawid Malan, Jonny Bairstow, Eoin Morgan

The presence of these impactful batters makes the middle-order of England a strong one. Though Malan couldn’t capitalize his innings in both the warm-up matches, he will be all raring to make an impact on the side in the mega event. Currently ranked number one in the T20I ICC rankings, the batter will have a lot of hopes pinned on him to deliver for the side.

Bairstow on the other hand brings more belief and depth to England’s batting. He contributed valuable runs in both the practice games and looked in fine form with the willow. Against India, he played an impressive knock of 49 runs and then carried the momentum further to score quick 31 runs against the Kiwis.

The England skipper hasn’t been in his best of forms lately. In the recently concluded IPL as well, he registered a string of low scores. However, his leadership skills will be crucial for the side heading into this tournament. Morgan too will look forward to getting back his rhythm and making crucial contributions to the side.

All Rounders- Liam Livingstone, Moeen Ali, David Willey

The team also possesses strong all-round options who can change the fortunes of the game with both the bat and the ball. Livingstone chimed in with crucial runs and also scalped one wicket each in both the practice games. Moeen Ali on the other hand is a good timer of the ball and can score quick runs for the team.

Ali can also prove lethal with the ball as well. Coming in at number three for CSK in the IPL 2021, he fetched in some important runs for the side and appears to be in fine form. David Willey further provides the side with another all-round option who can take the mantle to take the team past in crunch situations.

Bowlers- Adil Rashid, Mark Wood, and Chris Woakes

Adil Rashid picked up three crucial wickets against New Zealand in their second practice match. He is one of the prime bowlers of the team and the skipper will turn to him in search of much-needed breakthroughs. The unit will rely on Chris Woakes to perform for the side according to the demands of the situation.

Mark Wood will lead the fast-bowling bunch of England. He picked up four wickets in the warm-up game against New Zealand. He ran through the middle and lower-middle order of the Kiwis to be one of the architects of the team’s victory. The speedster will have his spirits high and will aim to carry the good momentum ahead in the marquee tournament.