World T20: Batting overshadowing wayward English bowling
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All the attention following England’s World T20 win over South Africa was on their masterful run chase. And rightly so.
After all, Joe Root and co successfully steered the Three Lions to the highest ever World T20 winning total in Mumbai. But in doing so it has taken the focus off a bowling attack that has looked like cannon fodder in the first two games.
England wouldn’t have had a world record chase on their hands if the bowling department hadn’t been carted to all parts in the first innings, the second time that has happened in as many games during the tournament.
The pace bowling looks a particular worry so far, with both the West Indies and South Africa tucking into the inconsistencies on offer from the likes of Chris Jordan and Reece Topley.
Topley’s economy rate is an eye-watering 13.20 from just 4.1 overs across the opening two games, while Jordan has gone for 73 runs in seven overs.
Of the four seamers used, David Willey is the only one to take a wicket, but his figures – which are identical to Jordan’s – are only improved by his two scalps. Ben Stokes has gone for 65 in five overs.
If it weren’t for spin duo Adil Rashid and Moeen Ali, who are both have an economy rate of under 10 an over and have shared five wickets, Eoin Morgan would be tearing his hair out.
Batting displays like the one that propelled England to victory over South Africa are few and far between. They cannot be relied upon to win the World T20.
Unless the seam bowlers can start imparting some control in future matches, this could be a very short-lived tournament for Trevor Bailey’s men.
England face Afghanistan in their third match in Group 1, needing a win to keep hopes of semi-final qualification alive.
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