Guyana’s Spin-Friendly Pitch
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 is reaching its climax as England and India face off in the Semi-Final 2 at Guyana’s Providence Stadium on June 27. Guyana’s pitch favors spinners, leading to speculation that England might include Moeen Ali and Liam Livingstone alongside Adil Rashid in their playing XI. The pace unit selection remains a tough decision for Jos Buttler, with a choice between Chris Jordan and Mark Wood.
England’s Predicted XI Against India
1. Phil Salt
Phil Salt has been a formidable force in T20Is, scoring 574 runs in 14 innings in the West Indies. He carried his IPL 2024 form into the T20 World Cup, amassing 183 runs in six innings at a strike rate of 179.93. As an explosive opener, Salt will be a significant threat to India’s bowlers.
2. Jos Buttler (c&wk)
Captain Jos Buttler has been in excellent form, notably smashing a 38-ball 83* against the USA in the Super 8s. He is England’s top scorer in the tournament, with 191 runs in six innings at a strike rate of 159.16. Buttler’s experience and performance against India, where he has scored 475 runs in 18 innings, will be crucial.
3. Jonny Bairstow
Jonny Bairstow had a standout performance with a 108* against Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL. However, his T20 World Cup campaign has been inconsistent, scoring only 110 runs in seven matches at a strike rate of 139.24. Bairstow will aim to find his form against India in the semi-final.
4. Harry Brook
Harry Brook has been England’s middle-order revelation, averaging over 100 in the tournament. He has scored 120 runs in three innings at a strike rate of 164.38. Brook’s consistent performance will be vital for England’s middle order.
5. Moeen Ali
Moeen Ali has struggled this year, scoring only 63 runs and taking three wickets in seven T20 World Cup matches. Despite his form, Moeen’s spin could be crucial on Guyana’s pitch. His all-round abilities make him an essential part of the squad against India.
6. Liam Livingstone
Liam Livingstone has overcome injuries to deliver in the tournament, scoring 61 runs in three innings at a strike rate of 184.84 and taking three wickets. Livingstone’s spin-bowling and explosive batting can be a game-changer for England.
7. Sam Curran
Sam Curran, the 2022 T20 World Cup Player of the Tournament, has struggled to make an impact this time, scoring 10 runs and taking two wickets. Despite this, his performance in the IPL 2024 as Punjab Kings’ captain, where he scored 270 runs and took 16 wickets, shows his potential. Curran could be key in the semi-final.
8. Chris Jordan
Chris Jordan’s experience in T20 cricket is invaluable. With 94 T20Is and 105 wickets, he is a seasoned campaigner. In this tournament, he has taken seven wickets in four matches at an economy rate of 8.95. Jordan’s experience might give him the edge over Mark Wood.
9. Jofra Archer
Jofra Archer returned from injury just before the World Cup and has made an immediate impact, taking nine wickets in seven matches at an economy rate of 7.02. Archer’s pace and ability to pick crucial wickets make him a key player against India.
10. Adil Rashid
Adil Rashid, England’s leading white-ball leg-spinner, has taken nine wickets in seven matches at an economy rate of 6.70. Rashid’s spin will be vital on Guyana’s pitch, making him a crucial part of England’s bowling attack.
11. Reece Topley
Reece Topley has struggled in this tournament, taking only one wicket in five matches. However, his performance against India in the 2022 ODI series, where he took 6/24, cannot be ignored. Topley’s ability to trouble Indian batters in the powerplay makes him a valuable asset.
Jos Buttler faces significant decisions in finalizing England’s playing XI for the semi-final against India. With Guyana’s pitch favoring spinners, the inclusion of Moeen Ali and Liam Livingstone seems likely. The choice between Chris Jordan and Mark Wood in the pace unit will be crucial. England’s mix of experience and young talent positions them well for a challenging semi-final clash. As defending champions, England will aim to deliver a strong performance and secure their place in the final.
