England's Probable Squad For 2023 World Cup | Will Ben Stokes Come Out of Retirement to Recreate Magic?
Jos Buttler will lead England in the 2023 ODI World Cup (Getty Images)
The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), driven by power-packed superheroes, has a special place in everyone's heart. Although their charismatic appeal and special moves are unreal, they still enthral everyone with their lively charm.
However, England's limited-overs roster does exist in reality, and they have been making great strides ever since Eoin Morgan revolutionised the game after the shocking 2015 World Cup exit.
Last year in Australia, England became the first-ever nation two hold both T20I and ODI World Cups at the same time. No wonder they are serious title contenders when they come to defend the 50-over title in India later this year.
How will they organise their reinforcements to have a successful tournament once more? Will Ben Stokes, who retired from the ODIs last year, make a surprising comeback to stun everyone? Let’s dig deep to learn more about this.
Batsmen: Jason Roy, Dawid Malan, Joe Root, Harry Brook
Jason Roy averages 39.91 and has a strike rate of 105.53 in ODIs (Getty Images)
England were in a spot of trouble when Jason Roy, one of the pioneers of Morgan’s revolution, was struggling to make noteworthy contributions last year. After 11 innings, Roy had an average of 33.5 last year, having tallied 335 runs at a strike rate of 93.83. However, the issue has been resolved because Roy significantly raised his stats in 2023, scoring two centuries in six innings to raise his average to 46.33.
Alongside Roy, two of England's most dependable ODI batters, Joe Root (6,203 runs at 50.05) and Dawid Malan (769 runs at 54.92), are unquestionably going to be there, while rising star Harry Brook is likely to get a spot if one of them performs horribly.
All-rounders: Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone, Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes
Sam Curran was named the Player of the Series at the 2022 T20 World Cup (Getty Images)
Despite the fact that Sam Curran does not boast of having stellar numbers with the bat (318 runs at 24.46) or ball (26 wickets at 36.38), the 25-year-old is projected as the next big thing for the country, especially in limited-overs. Not to mention, he had 13 wickets in the T20 World Cup the previous year, including three in the final, which helped him win Player of the Match and Tournament awards.
There is no denying that England bats deep, and this is only made possible by the presence of prolific all-rounders. Due to the spin-favorable conditions, Liam Livingstone and Moeen Ali are almost certain starters among them at the upcoming World Cup, while Chris Woakes is probably going to be on the roster as Curran's backup.
It is important to mention that Ben Stokes effectively ruled himself out of comeback contention during the recently-concluded Ashes, so there is no realistic chance for the fans to see him return on the grandest stage of all.
"I'm retired. (My knee) is something I want to get sorted. (After the Ashes and before ICC World Cup in India] is a good time to have some serious in-depth conversations about what is potentially something I could do where I can bowl without worrying about my knee," Stokes told the host broadcasters during the Ashes 2023.
Wicket-keepers: Jos Buttler, Jonny Bairstow, Phil Salt
Jonny Bairstow will open with Roy at the 2023 ODI World Cup (Getty Images)
Hailed as one of England’s most distinguished openers in the limited-overs format, Bairstow (3634 runs at 46.58 with a strike rate of 104.12) will be there to partner Roy at the top. Depending on the circumstances of the game, captain Jos Buttler (4641 runs at 41.49 with 117.97) may switch places with Livingstone at No. 6 or bat at No. 5 as usual.
Meanwhile, Phil Salt, who can also keep wickets, will most likely be there as England's back-up opener.
Bowlers: Mark Wood, Adil Rashid, Reece Topley, Jofra Archer
Jofra Archer fractured his right elbow at IPL 2023 (Getty Images)
So the big question is will Jofra Archer be back in full swing at the World Cup? His express pace has always hurt the opposition, but lately, following injury after injury, the sharpness seems to have drastically diminished. However, if he recovers before the main event, there is no doubt that the right-arm quick will get a spot, even though Reece Topley ought to be given preference because of his improving form.
Alongside Topley, Mark Wood (71 wickets at 37.88) and Adil Rashid (183 wickets at 32.20) are guaranteed starters for England, and that should make up England’s final 15 for the World Cup.
England's probable 15-member squad for the ODI World Cup 2023
Jason Roy, Dawid Malan, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone, Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, Jos Buttler (C & WK), Jonny Bairstow, Phil Salt, Mark Wood, Adil Rashid, Reece Topley, Jofra Archer (if fit)
England's potential playing XI for the ODI World Cup 2023
Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow, Dawid Malan, Joe Root, Jos Buttler (C & WK), Liam Livingstone, Moeen Ali, Sam Curran, Mark Wood, Adil Rashid, Reece Topley
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