England has finally completed its T20 World Cup preparations this week by defeating Sri Lanka 3-0. This comes after previous series were impacted by rain.
The home series against South Africa in September ended 1-1, with the final match in Nottingham rained out. Later that month, England won 2-0 in Ireland, though another match was also lost due to rain. In October, only one game against New Zealand was played, and England won by 65 runs.
England traveled to Sri Lanka for a comprehensive training session, which proved effective. They comfortably chased Sri Lanka’s totals in the first two matches, and in the third, they defended a low total of 128, marking a successful record.
Phil Salt and Jos Buttler, ranked second and third in T20 batting, are set to open. However, Salt’s involvement is uncertain due to a back injury that sidelined him from the UAE league and forced him out of the third T20 against Sri Lanka.
Buttler, who led England to the T20 World Championship in 2022 and the semifinals in 2024, is now entering his sixth T20 World Cup. At 35, he has no immediate plans to retire, inspired by players like James Anderson who continued to compete into their 40s. He mentioned, “You just know when the time’s up; for now, I’m still going.”
Jacob Bethell, a bright spot for England in the Ashes, didn’t score much in Sri Lanka but excelled in the series finale with impressive bowling figures of 4-11.
Key Player: Rashid
Bethell and Will Jacks will support spinners Adil Rashid and Liam Dawson. Rashid’s role is crucial; he took five wickets in the Sri Lanka series and became the first English player to reach 150 T20 wickets, maintaining a streak of at least one wicket in his last 24 matches since the 2024 World Cup.
Jofra Archer leads a seam attack alongside Sam Curran and Jamie Overton. Archer returns after a side strain cut short his Ashes participation, seeking to make an impact.
Tom Banton, who made his England debut in 2019 and struggled initially, returned last year with greater maturity, showing promise in Sri Lanka.
Harry Brook is captaining England in a tournament for the first time amid scrutiny over a nightclub incident in New Zealand. He has apologized for his actions and was supported by coach Brendon McCullum, who praised his leadership skills and potential.
Since the last T20 World Cup, where England lost to champions India, McCullum’s team has only lost one series—4-1 against India last year. This is a concern as the upcoming World Cup is also in India, where they may face the co-hosts and strong competition.
T20 is England’s strongest format, and they have never failed to advance past the group stage in World Cups. If they perform well against Nepal and the West Indies in Mumbai, followed by matches in Kolkata against Scotland and Italy, they should secure a spot in the Super 8s.
England will likely feel at home in Sri Lanka.
