Can England’s T20 Squad Beat A Strong Pakistan Cricket Team?

August 25, 2020

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England's T20 Squad celebrate a wicket — CENTURION, SOUTH AFRICA - FEBRUARY 16: Ben Stokes of England celebrates with his teammates after dismissing Quinton de Kock of South Africa during the Third T20 International match between South Africa and England at Supersport Park on February 16, 2020 in Centurion, South Africa. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

England’s T20 Squad “A Depth Of Riches”

England nearly went all the way at the last T20 World Cup in 2016. In the end, they faltered in the final. More specifically, Ben Stokes had a brain fade. But he has put that to bed over the last few years. A World Cup epic and an awesome Ashes has elevated him to elite company in world cricket. But, Stokes isn’t even in England’s T20 Squad for the Pakistan series.

So, why does it matter?

Because, England have amazing depth in their white-ball squads. Their T20 team picked for this series could challenge for a World Cup, even with the omissions of Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler and Jofra Archer.

So, who are the players picked in each of the squads and who should we look out for?

David Willey In England’s T20 Squad

David Willey is a crucial part of England's T20 Squad — KOLKATA, WEST BENGAL – APRIL 03: David Willey of England celebrates after taking the wicket of Darren Sammy, Captain of the West Indies during the ICC World Twenty20 India 2016 Final match between England and West Indies at Eden Gardens on April 3, 2016 in Kolkata, India. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

David Willey had an awesome World T20 for England in 2016. If he wants to be included in England’s T20 Squad for the 2021 tournament, then he must perform to similar standards. He has both this series and the Australia T20 series as an oppurtunity.

He took 10 wickets at under 16 at the 2016 World T20 and helped England to a place in the final. His main strengths are swinging the new ball and picking up early wickets. He has a tendency to conceed runs at the back end of a T20 innings, which is perhaps why he isn’t in England’s first choice bowling attack currently.

Also, Read – Picking England’s All-Time ODI XI

David Willey can also provide extra batting depth, which would help England. In T20s, collapses are inevitable and the lower-order helping out with the bat is a must to finish off games.

Babar Azam Will Captain Pakistan’s T20 Squad

Babar Azam is captain of Pakistan's T20 Squad — CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA – NOVEMBER 05: Babar Azam of Pakistan bats during game two of the International Twenty20 series between Australia and Pakistan at Manuka Oval on November 05, 2019 in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

Babar Azam, is looking as solid as ever in T20 Cricket. He is currently ranked as the number one batsmen in T20 and will be looking to have a big series against England. Amazingly, he averages 50.72 in T20 Cricket and bats at a strike rate of just under 130.

Babar is coming off two good series in this format, against Australia and Bangladesh. In these series he averaged 57.50 and 66 respectively. He was captain in both series and it looks as if it does not weigh down on his batting.

Watch – Babar Azam’s impressive knock halted by run out

How England’s T20 Squad bowls to Babar Azam will be a key factor in deciding the winners of the T20 Series.

Joe Root Wants To Be In England’s 2020/21 World T20 Squad

Joe Root wants to be in England's T20 Squad — CARDIFF, WALES – JULY 06: Joe Root of England bats during the 2nd Vitality International T20 match between England and India at SWALEC Stadium on July 6, 2018 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

Joe Root has expressed his desire to play in the 2020/21 World T20. He has a very good record in the format but has been overlooked recently, in favour of more power hitters. There is no doubt that he will be picked in the squad for the tournament and should he perform well in the upcoming T20 Blast, could nail a place down in the side.

Personally, Joe Root should be pivotal to this team. He controls the innings, allowing other batsmen to attack from the other end and stops collapses.

Also, Read – T20 Blast – Why No Overseas Players Is A Benefit

The T20 Squads In Full

DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA – FEBRUARY 14: Ben Stokes and Moeen Ali of England bump fists during the Second T20 International match between England and South Africa at Kingsmead Stadium on February 14, 2020 in Durban, South Africa. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

England’s T20 Squad – Eoin Morgan (C). Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Tom Banton, Sam Billings, Tom Curran. Joe Denly, Lewis Gregory, Chris Jordan, Saqib Mahmood, Dawid Malan. Adil Rashid, Jason Roy, David Willey.

Pakistan’s T20 Squad – Babar Azam (C). Shaheen Afridi, Iftikhar Ahmed, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Haider Ali, Mohammad Amir. Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Hasnain, Shadab Khan, Shoaib Malik. Haris Rauf, Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Khushdil Shah. Naseem Shah, Imad Wasim, Fakhar Zaman.

These T20 squads were recently announced by the BBC.

Venues For The Three T20Is

England vs West Indies day four at the Emirates Old Trafford was washed out due to rain — MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – JULY 27: General view of the covers prior to the start during Day Four of the Ruth Strauss Foundation Test, the Third Test in the #RaiseTheBat Series match between England and the West Indies at Emirates Old Trafford on July 27, 2020 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images for ECB)

All three T20 Internationals between England and Pakistan will be played at the Emirates Old Trafford Cricket Ground. Generally, the pitches are very good for batting, like most pitches in England in limited-overs cricket. It should be a thrilling encounter.

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1st T20 – 28th August 2020

2nd T20 – 30th August 2020

3rd T20 – 1st September 2020

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