ICC World Cup 2019 | England’s predicted XI for the semi-final against Australia
Having finished third in the group, England would be pretty much pleased with the late bloom and will look to continue their winning momentum in the semi-final against Australia. They lost the league game against the same side and would seek revival of fortunes in the game that matters the most.
Openers
Jason Roy: The return of their impactful opener has helped England win the last two must win games and sculpt a spot in the semi-final. Roy has been instrumental at the top and has got impactful starts alongside Jonny Bairstow. England would be hoping for one such start in the high-voltage game from their most trusted opener.
Jonny Bairstow: The Englishman has been in ominous form, smashing two back-to-back centuries to steer England in command with the new ball. He had a tough time in the league stage against the Aussies but with his partner in crime back in the line-up, Bairstow would look to wreak havoc at the top.
Middle-order
Joe Root: One of England’s most reliable batsmen, Root doesn’t bank on the conditions and plays effective cricket on any surface. With a lot of explosive batsman around him, Root’s duty would be to complement them and hold his fort at one end.
Eoin Morgan: The English skipper has had a tough time with the bat off late and it is only about time before he rediscovers his mojo. Morgan is one batsman, who can adapt and accelerate at any given situation and against a formidable Australian attack, and he would look to stabilise things in the middle-order.
Jos Buttler: The X factor cricketer in this English line-up would be desperately looking to spring his magic in the match that matters the most. Buttler can take the game away from any opposition in a span of few overs and England would want their keeper batsman to do so in this encounter.
All-rounders:
Ben Stokes: The man in form for England, Stokes’ contribution in the tournament has been staggering. He has played some gritty knocks under tremendous pressure and will look to chip in with the ball as well. One of the most effective all-rounders in international cricket, one cannot even think about leaving a player of his calibre out of the playing XI.
Chris Woakes: With the surface expected to not offer immense help to the spinners, it is unlikely that Moeen Ali will make the cut. Chris Woakes will continue to bat at seven and will be crucial with the new ball as well. Woakes has been the silent assassin on numerous occasions and will be eyeing to expose the Asutralian middle-order early by getting quick wickets.
Bowlers
Liam Plunkett: His comeback in the last two games has been an effective one for England. After a brilliant spell against India, Plunkett kept things tight against New Zealand and has also managed to chip in with the bat. His canny change in pace can come down very handy against the explosive Australian middle-order.
Adil Rashid: The leggie hasn’t really been among the wickets, but has kept things quiet at his end. And it’s unlikely that England would want to tinker their winning combination. Rashid scored some vital runs against New Zealand, which was a testament of his batting abilities. A bowler who can also bat is becoming a mandate in modern-day cricket and Rashid should fill that space in England line-up.
Jofra Archer: England’s best bowler in this World Cup, Archer has been all about pace and control along with smart change in pace in the death overs. With Australia’s top-order posing a massive threat with the bat, Archer’s responsibility would be to get early breakthroughs and push them on the back foot.
Mark Wood: Though he has 16 wickets from eight games, Wood has been a little on the expensive side. But the team has stuck with him and Wood produced a match-winning spell against New Zealand. He looked in good rhythm and has the momentum going his way, will he produce another match-winning performance? We’ll see.
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