England will attempt to keep their T20 World Cup campaign alive when they face Asian qualifiers Oman in a must-win match in Antigua on Thursday.
Last Saturday’s loss to Australia, coupled with Scotland’s big victory over Oman, has left Jos Buttler’s side needing to win both of their remaining games and overhaul a significant net run-rate deficit to the Scots to qualify for the Super Eights.
T20 World Cup Tips
- Highest Individual Score – Over 60.5 @ 17/20
- Harry Brook Over 17.5 Runs @ 17/20
- Ayan Khan to be Oman Top Batter @ 10/1
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Bowlers owe Buttler a better performance
England’s trophy defence will be in tatters if rain forces a no result in either of their remaining Group B games at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.
But, although the forecast is positive at the moment, the mood around the England camp is not with captain Buttler cutting an increasingly tetchy figure under the media spotlight.
His tactics have come under fire again and, following last year’s pathetic showing in India at the 50–over World Cup, English cricket’s bigwigs could soon be looking for another white-ball skipper.
It would be wrong to heap all the blame on one man, however, with England’s attack a major source of concern now after allowing Scotland to score at nine an over and Australia to pile up a 200-plus score.
Only Jofra Archer can claim to have fulfilled his role in the beleaguered bowling unit with the Sussex paceman having proven himself to be England’s most potent threat with the ball once more.
Aside from Will Jacks, who was taken down for 22 runs in his single over against the Aussies, the tournament economy rates of Adil Rashid (11.16) and Chris Jordan (11.33) will need to come down greatly if England are to survive beyond the first stage.
Three Lions’ batting due for a shake-up
England’s top-order was exposed as being too similar in Barbados, where the accessible leg-side boundary was exploited by the Baggy Green’s left-handed batters.
A similar situation awaits them in Antigua and, if changes are made, left-handers Ben Duckett and Sam Curran will be the main beneficiaries.
There is also the question of how best to utilise prodigiously gifted Yorkshireman Harry Brook, who walked out to bat at six with the game virtually gone last Saturday.
The 25-year-old could be in line for a promotion up the batting order as Buttler looks to revive his ailing side and would therefore be in an advantageous position to score more than the 20 runs he managed from 18 balls last weekend.
England’s top order can still be a formidable force on their day and with Oman’s attack unable to stop Scotland from surpassing 150 in 13.1 overs on this ground, there is a very good chance that someone emulates Brandon McMullan and finishes with more than 60.5 runs to their name.
Eyes on Oman’s reliable all-rounder
For Oman, experienced all-rounder Ayan Khan has been a consistent performer this year and can once more emerge as their leading batter.
Khan has steadied the ship on multiple occasions, remaining unbeaten on 41 against Scotland a few days after he top-scored with 36 against Australia.
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