England’s legendary fast bowler James Anderson has questioned England’s preparation for the fifty-over World Cup in India in October. England lost the first match of the four-match ODI series against New Zealand by eight wickets. “England have an embarrassment of riches,” said Anderson on Test Match Special. “They’ve got so much experience in that team. Ben Stokes, Joe Root, these guys love this competition and the big moments.”
Anderson speaks
“You feel like you’ve got a group of players where any one of them can play in any 11 out of that 16/17 players could do a great job. “It will always be the case, there are always players you will leave out. There are 17 in the squad when [Jonny] Bairstow and [Jason] Roy are back [from injury], they come straight back in, that probably takes out Brook and [Liam] Livingstone, meaning Moeen [Ali] to come back in. “It does feel like there are more questions than answers.” The Jos Butler-led side has won just one ODI series since the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia
Disappointing performance
England looked clueless in front of New Zealand’s attacking batting lineup, especially in the bowling department as the English bowler leaked runs on a regular interval
Eoin Morgan, who led England to World Cup glory in 2019, agrees with Anderson, believing England should know their squad by now. “They are spoilt for choice with talent,” Morgan told Sky Sports.
“Building into a World Cup you want to have absolute clarity and role definition and actually focus on players getting into good form with the bat and rhythm with the ball. “If you can concentrate on that and build momentum going into the World Cup, that’s a really good start, but I think England have some issues.
Morgan also expressed his views on the inclusion of Harry Brook” Harry Brook is causing a headache for the selection panel, given the form he is in and given the type of player that he is,” added Morgan. [There will be] a little bit of confusion in the changing room when all you want leading in is absolute clarity and confidence and to focus on actual results.
