England’s men’s cricket team is currently in a jeopardy right now. Although having the best players in the squad, the team is lacking firepower.
The team is managing to capture their fans’ attention through Jos Buttler’s smile, Sam Curran’s grin, and Moeen Ali’s twinkle.
But, physical attributes don’t win you matches, playing well does. That’s exactly where England’s T20I team is failing at the moment.
Their loss to Ireland via the DLS method shows that the English need to pull up their socks if they are to become T20 World Cup champions.
One key aspect of England’s failure in the tournament is also related to their big player Ben Stokes.
Stokes has been playing only Test cricket this year and has played fewer T20Is for England. Other batters like Sam Billings have played more T20I innings than him.
England are patiently waiting for Stokes to do a miracle for them at some point in the tournament.
Additionally, Stokes is batting at the coveted No.4 position in England’s batting lineup, a position which is very hard for any batsman.
Playing at No.4 means that when you come during the Powerplay, it is because your side has lost two wickets.
On the other hand, if you are coming after the Powerplay, you will be upfront against the opposition’s best spinner.
While people may say that it’s perfect, why shouldn’t Ben Stokes be playing at that position, there is a reason why.
The reason is Stokes has played fewer innings since assuming the role and has failed to reach double figures in four innings as well.
That’s why England needs to shuffle up their batting order and ask Ben Stokes to play lower down the order.
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