T20 Cricket World Cup: England weaker than 2010 winners

England may be the defending T20 world champions, but the absence of three key players from their squad of two years ago gives them only a slim chance of retaining their title.

It is 6/1 that England win a second T20 World Cup and not much was expected of them in the West Indies when they found a way to triumph.

Despite being defending champions, England arguably arrive in Sri Lanka with similar expectations.

Kevin Pietersen’s omission is major negative, given his attacking nature and ability to take it to the world’s best bowlers.

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Only Mahela Jayawardene scored more runs than Pietersen in the last T20 World Cup.

Meanwhile, the absence of two left-arm bowlers may also prove difficult to overcome.

Ryan Sidebottom took 10 wickets two years ago, largely with his slower-ball bouncers, and England do not have anyone similar here.

Steve Finn and Jade Dernbach can both be deadly in T20 and the onus will be on them to lead the way with the ball.

Michael Yardy was the surprise package with the ball in the West Indies with his slow left-arm occasional turners and the hope will be that Samit Patel can take over this mantle.

The fact England begin against Afghanistan is a big help as they are arguably the weakest team taking part, with India their first big test in their other Group A contest.

Deciding on their strongest 11 will be vital by then, with out-of-form Ravi Bopara dropped for a more attacking Luke Wright at number three.

Meanwhile, the pressure will be on Eoin Morgan to fill Pietersen’s boots, given his ability to hit the ball 360 degrees around the ground.

He is another in reasonably poor current form and England need him firing on all cylinders, especially for punters backing them at 11/8 to top Group A.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing