England’s preparations for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 have been hampered by inclement weather during their four-match T20I series against Pakistan. With two games washed out due to rain, England has only played one match, securing a 23-run victory in the second T20I.
Series Impacted by Weather
England pacer Mark Wood expressed his concerns over the disrupted series. “Obviously, it’s not ideal when you schedule four games and we might only get one or two,” Wood said. The series currently stands at 1-0 in England’s favor with one game remaining. The final T20I is crucial for England to fine-tune their preparations before heading to the West Indies for the World Cup, where they will face Scotland in their opener on June 4.
Players’ Readiness and IPL Impact
Despite the challenges, Wood highlighted the importance of the final game at the Oval for boosting the team’s confidence. He praised the performances of bowlers Reece Topley, Chris Jordan, and Jofra Archer in their previous match against Pakistan, stating, “It was a good game the other day against Pakistan. They looked like they were pushing us really close, and might have got there in the end if it wasn’t for such good bowling and shutting the game out.”
Wood also acknowledged the mixed readiness of the squad, with some players coming off a stint in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 and others not having recent competitive match practice. “Some lads have been playing at the IPL and they are match-ready. Other lads haven’t, and the lads that haven’t, is there a freshness?” he said. This disparity emphasizes the need for warm-up games to assess form and make necessary adjustments.
Conclusion
The weather-affected series has posed a significant challenge for England’s World Cup preparations. However, with experienced players and the final T20I still to play, the team remains focused on refining their strategies and ensuring they are ready for the global stage.
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