Xtra Time Web Desk: Reigning champions England will take on India in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 game at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Behari Vajpayee Stadium on Sunday, October 29. Jos Buttler and his side are placed in a must win scenario to keep their hopes alive on paper for a semi-final berth. The Three Lions still have a mathematical chance of making it into the last four.
Buttler and his boys would require four wins from four and some things going their way, although there are permutations where they could lose to India on Sunday and still mathematically be in the running to qualify for the last four.
Despite their poor showing in the ongoing World Cup, the body language of the England cricketers does not suggest so. Senior players like Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes have taken the initiative to keep the spirits high in the dressing room.
The England cricketers at the start of the training session on Saturday, had a meeting among the batting and bowling groups. The likes of Harry Brook, Liam Plunkett and others were involved in a fun fielding drills followed by fielding session.
Star all rounder Ben Stokes looked relaxed and enjoyed the practice session. Captain Jos Buttler and Jonny Bairstow had a long look at the wicket which might offer turn. In that case the role of Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid becomes extremely crucial. The injury to Reece Topley has been a huge setback. Mark Wood and Chris Woakes will spearhead the fast-bowling attack. Ben Stokes was seen rolling his arms in the nets for a long time.
Unfortunately, everything Mathew Mott’s side has tried has failed. There were admittedly wrong calls made at the toss, wrong selection decisions, and U-turns on plans. The conditions right through haven’t been ideal for their style of play, and England didn’t dare to adapt a different approach when it came to batting.
Can Buttler and co get a win under their belt against high-flying India, only time will tell.