England’s World Cup defence took an unexpected turn as they faced another harrowing defeat, this time at the hands of Sri Lanka. Ironically, their strength, batting, which was their forte, has let them down consistently throughout the tournament.
In the league-stage match at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, England’s batting lineup crumbled, leaving fans and experts baffled. They could only manage a meagre total of 156 runs. Sri Lanka, the 1996 champions, made light work of the target in just 25.4 overs.
This marks England’s fourth defeat in the current campaign. To put things into perspective, this is only the second time in the history of the World Cup that England has suffered four losses in the group stage. The first time was back in 2015 when they were stunned by Bangladesh. That loss sparked a soul-searching journey, eventually leading to a white-ball revolution. England emerged stronger, winning the ODI World Cup at home in 2019 and the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia. Those victories instilled the belief that England could successfully defend their title in India this year.
Despite the disappointing stats, former England captain Nasser Hussain does not believe that this is England’s “worst ever World Cup show.” He reflects on England’s dominance in white-ball cricket over the past 6-7 years, attributing the unexpected downfall to the need for a new era in the nation’s cricket history.
“I have been watching England in World Cups and playing for England in World Cups. Paul Collingwood (also part of the Star Sports panel) has also been. We were terrible a long, long time ago. We have enjoyed the last 6-7 years because they have been brilliant. Buttler, Morgan and his men have been outstanding but unravelled here. But it shouldn’t take anything away from them on how they have played in the last 6-7 years. It has been a bridge too far. There will be a new era that will come in.,” he said.
Hussain emphasizes the brilliance of players like Jos Buttler, Eoin Morgan, and others who have excelled in white-ball cricket. These players have been instrumental in England’s stellar performances over the years. However, the World Cup 2023 has proved to be a bridge too far, leading to the need for fresh faces and strategies.
“It has been hugely disappointing. It may be the preparation if I can put my finger on it. There was the Ashes, and then they had three games against New Zealand, the only series where they had the time to knit their 50-over team. Not just the defeat, but the nature of it – they were battered by New Zealand, South Africa and Afghanistan, and they hardly turned the lights on here in Bengaluru and Sri Lanka have got over the line. They can have no complaints at all,” he said.
While Nasser Hussain points out the need for a new era, he also highlights the lack of proper preparation as a significant factor in England’s underwhelming performance. The schedule leading up to the 50-over event was packed, leaving limited time for the team to fine-tune their approach.
The Ashes and a three-game series against New Zealand were the only opportunities for England to shape their 50-over team. The results against New Zealand, South Africa, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka have been far from satisfying. It’s not just the defeats but how they were defeated that has raised concerns.
Amidst the disappointment, former England captain Paul Collingwood is optimistic. He dismisses the notion of this being the “worst World Cup campaign ever.” Instead, he urges Jos Buttler’s men to regain their confidence and give their all in the upcoming game against India.
Collingwood’s message is clear: players need to remember their potential and why they became the world’s No. 1 white-ball team. With two World Cup titles, they have a rich history of success. It’s time to rekindle that confidence and face the crucial game against India with determination.
“If you think this is the worst World Cup campaign ever, we had had some shockers in the past. How are they going to get their troops going again? You have to go man to man, look in the mirror and just remember how good a player you are and why you became the No. 1 white-ball team in the world. You have two World Cup titles under your belt. If you go back and watch your old footage, then remind yourself how good a player you can be and go out there and try to give yourselves the best shot in terms of confidence, which is what they need on Sunday against India. That will be the most sought-after game in your life, and there is every chance they can flip things just like that,” he said.
Former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag doesn’t mince words. He points out that England’s one-day international (ODI) record outside their 2019 World Cup win could have been better. They failed to make it to the semifinals in seven of the last eight tournaments. Sehwag attributes this inconsistency to frequent changes in the team and the misguided belief that they can replicate their Test match excitement in ODIs.
England’s next league game is against India, and a loss in this crucial match would officially knock them out of the World Cup.
England in 50 over one day international cricket has been a very mediocre side. Apart from the 2019 World cup at Home, in the last 8 attempts they have failed to make the semis 7 times. Not having a steady side and too much chopping & changing and wrongly thinking that they are…
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) October 26, 2023
“England in 50 over one-day international cricket has been mediocre. Apart from the 2019 World Cup at Home, in the last 8 attempts, they have failed to make the semis 7 times. Not having a steady side and too much chopping & changing and wrongly thinking that they are as exciting in ODI’s as they are in Tests cost them, ” he posted.
