Injury concerns and bowlers form key worries for England - Match 7 Preview
October 9, 2023: England will look to bring their World Cup campaign back on track with a win against Bangladesh in Dharmshala on Tuesday. The defending World Cup champions are at the bottom of the table following a heavy defeat against New Zealand in the opening encounter.
The much-awaited duel between the two nations will be played in the picturesque HPCA ground in Dharamshala in a day game. From the highs of 35 degrees in Ahmedabad, the English team will find the cooler climate of Dharamshala to its liking. However, injury concerns and average performance of the bowlers could give a headache to team management. The team will again miss the services of their star all-rounder, Ben Stokes, as he recovers from his hip injury. The hectic travel schedule and expectations from their fans of winning their second consecutive ODI World Cup also add to the pressure in this highly competitive tournament.
New Zealand’s thumping victory against England should also give confidence to Bangladesh that the defending World Cup champions are not invincible. The rivalry between England and Bangladesh goes a long way, and the two teams have had some close encounters over the last few years, especially in the ODI World Cups. Not to forget, England was knocked out of the 2015 World Cup dismally as Bangladesh claimed a stunning 15-run win.
Bangladesh will again look to the spin services of their inspirational captain, Shakib Al Hasan, and emerging all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz, to put brakes on the aggressive English batting lineup. The Bangladesh team management may look to bring in an additional spinner at the expense of Mahmudullah against the batting might of England. Bangladesh also possesses quality fast bowlers in their ranks in Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, and Shoriful Islam, who can be more than a handful given the morning start in Dharamshala.
England will be under pressure against their familiar World Cup nemesis, and will look for inspiration from its captain Butler and explosive batters like Dawid Malan and Liam Livingstone, both having played IPL matches here for Punjab Kings. Much of the talk has been on the average outfield conditions at HPCA, but England can ill afford one more slip-up against the Asian giant killers who beat Afghanistan comfortably in their first game on the same ground.
- Girish, Team Pure Cricket
-------------------------------
Pics: Internet
No comments:
Post a Comment