The countdown to the T20 World Cup 2024 is well and truly on, with the May 1st deadline for squad announcements looming. Apart from the traction for the Indian team, spotlight will also be on the defending champions England.
Interestingly, for England, the ongoing IPL 2024 has become a crucial finishing school, sharpening the skills of their players. Funnily, there were days when England players used to skip IPL seasons in order to remain fit for international commitments. However, IPL 2024 has provided many of their players with invaluable match practice for the upcoming World Cup.
A turnaround for senior pros
Jos Buttler and Jonny Bairstow – two players who looked extremely sluggish at the start of IPL 2024. They lacked fluency and seemed scratchy on the crease. However, the IPL has seen a remarkable turnaround. Buttler has rediscovered his devastating touch, smashing a staggering two centuries this season, that too, both while chasing.
This return to form is a massive boost for England’s batting line-up. This solidifies their top order with a captain known for his explosive power-hitting. Jonny Bairstow has also joined the party, adding sumptuous century to England’s tally. Seeing their senior batsmen firing on all cylinders brings much-needed stability and calmness to the team.
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Jack and Salt combination
Beyond the seasoned campaigners, the IPL has unearthed some exciting young English talent. Will Jacks and Phil Salt have taken the tournament by storm with their fearless batting displays. Salt, known for his mighty strokeplay, has been a consistent run-scorer, while Jacks’ explosive hitting at the top of the order has left bowlers bewildered.
Both Salt and Jacks have provided an imperative freshness to their respective franchises in KKR and RCB. In fact, Salt is currently among the top-five highest run-getters of IPL 2024, having racked up 392 runs at an immaculate strike rate of 180.64.
Jacks, meanwhile, played one of the craziest innings of the season, when he went from 50 to 100 in just a matter of six minutes! These youngsters are not only showcasing their raw talent but also gaining invaluable experience playing alongside some of the biggest names in the game.
With the likes of Buttler and Bairstow rediscovering their mojo, coupled with the emergence of exciting young guns like Jacks and Salt, the IPL is proving to be a breeding ground for England’s T20 World Cup aspirations. With the lethal form that several English players are enjoying, discard the defending champions at your own peril at the mega T20 event.
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