Playing 50, 20: India-England ODI sequence helpful in firming plans for T20 World Cup
4 min read Loads has been at stake throughout England’s tour of India.
The riveting T20I sequence served as an audition for the World Cup scheduled later within the 12 months. Prior to that, the four-match Test sequence determined who will face New Zealand within the World Test Championship ultimate.
But the three-match ODI sequence to be held behind closed doorways in Pune on the fag finish of the sojourn gives little context and relevance, with back-to-back T20 World Cups pencilled in earlier than the following 50-over showpiece occasion in 2023.
Last 12 months, India captain Virat Kohli raised eyebrows when he stated ODIs had been “not relevant” within the 12 months of a T20 World Cup. The occasion was later postponed by a 12 months as a result of pandemic, however there was some reality to Kohli’s assertion. The 50-over ICC World Cup was as soon as cricket’s largest prize, however in current instances, the ODI format has been caught in someplace between the five-day format and the T20s.
Just to offer a sign of how a lot this format has fallen within the pecking order in current instances, contemplate England’s current schedule. Since their 2019 World Cup triumph, England have performed solely 9 ODIs — profitable 4 and shedding 4, with one sport washed out.
An enormous hiya from the MCA Stadium, Pune, our venue for the three ODIs in opposition to England.@Paytm #INDvENG pic.twitter.com/kknsGqpzkR
— BCCI (@BCCI) March 22, 2021
When Kohli was requested in regards to the rationale of enjoying an ODI sequence in a 12 months that has the World Test championship in addition to the T20 World Cup, he urged directors to seek the advice of gamers earlier than finalising the calendar, particularly with the distinctive state of affairs due to the continued pandemic. “Scheduling is something that’s not in our control. For us, international games… every game is important and every game has value. It’s an opportunity to represent your team. For us, that remains our sole focus,” he stated throughout a digital press convention. “I’ve said this before also, scheduling and workload, everyone will have to be very aware of and keep an eye out for. You never know when restrictions can come in place. In future, we might have to play in bubbles so it’s very important to consider how much cricket we are playing.”
A matter of priorities
Does this imply that the 50-over format has gone out of vogue? Not fairly. Barely two years in the past, this format witnessed arguably ‘The greatest game ever played’ between England and New Zealand at Lord’s. This 12 months, nonetheless, groups are taking a practical strategy and focusing extra on Tests in addition to the 20-over format.
But a white-ball contest between India and England in both format invariably throws up thrilling duels.
“It’s going to be exciting, three games at the same ground against a very strong Indian side is a huge opportunity for everyone to get back out there, in the frame of mind and the pace of 50-over cricket, and for guys who want to make their case in both formats,” England captain Eoin Morgan stated.
Even although this sequence gives little context within the grander scheme of issues, Morgan will probably be eyeing the 60 World Cup Super League factors up for grabs (India have already certified for the 2023 World Cup as hosts).
Chance to impress
That aside, he reckoned this sequence can be helpful in offering fringe gamers reminiscent of Sam Billings and Liam Livingstone a chance to push their case for inclusion within the T20 World Cup squad. “We see the 50-over format between the two T20 World Cups as a building block for our squad. And that’s not compromising on performance at all. We feel we have an extremely strong squad outside of our final eleven regardless of format, so it will present opportunities for guys like that,” he opined. “Given a World Cup is around the corner, playing any cricket is a huge opportunity for guys who have been here on the fringes and not made the selection so far. When you score runs or take wickets away from home there is always a huge incentive to try and push your case forward,” he defined.
ICYMI: Our squad to face India in our ultimate three matches of the winter 🏴🏏
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) March 21, 2021
For the England skipper, this sequence would give his staff one other alternative to agency up their plans and acclimatise with Indian circumstances after his staff’s 2-3 loss within the T20I sequence.
“Trying to envisage where 50-over cricket will be in three years is quite difficult. So, the challenge for us is always trying to explore and push the limits as much as we can. In conditions that are a little bit alien to us, like in India, it’s nice to get out of your comfort zone, and learn more about your team and your players, make mistakes and learn from them,” he concluded.
