The loss of batter Jonny Bairstow to injury before the 2022 T20 World Cup came as a real blow to England ahead of the major tournament in Australia.
While the Yorkshireman will be tough to replace, England's bowling attack has the ability to step up to the challenge and shine in the highly-anticipated competition Down Under.
Heartbreak For Bairstow
For a player enjoying some of the best cricket of his career, the injury for Bairstow came at a bad time for the man himself and his country. England are 15/4 at Betway to win the T20 World Cup this year as they look to compete with Australia and India for the title. Bairstow was set to be a key figure in the England batting order but an unfortunate slip while playing golf has seen the 33-year-old ruled out of action until next year. A simple slip whilst walking to a tee box saw Bairstow suffer a broken leg and dislocated ankle. Having had successful surgery, the wicket-keeper batsman will be hoping to pick up his cricket where he left off in 2023.
Meanwhile, England head coach Matthew Mott has lost one of his star players ahead of the major tournament. The timing of the news concerning Bairstow does allow Mott a chance to prepare for the Yorkshire star’s absence as his side gets set to face Afghanistan, Australia, New Zealand, and two qualifiers in Group 1 of the Super 12s. While batters will have to do their jobs to make sure England post high scores at the major tournament, the bowling department can also play a crucial role.
Wood Return Boosts England’s Chances
Having had almost seven months out on the sidelines, the return of Mark Wood to the England bowling attack has come at just the right time. It looked like an elbow injury, followed by two surgeries, would see Wood possibly miss out on the World Cup. However, the paceman has made a good recovery and was back in action for England in the third T20 international against Pakistan in the build-up to the major tournament. Wood hit the ground running on his return and helped England secure victory, while posting strong individual figures of 3-24.
England can lack pace without Wood in the side and the fact he was hitting speeds of close to 97mph will have been a welcomed sight for Mott and the rest of the squad ahead of the World Cup. Managing Wood’s workload through the tournament will be a balancing act for the coaching team but having their quickest seamer back fit will help England’s cause in the absence of Bairstow.
Topley And Willey Offer Options
Both Reece Topley and David Willey provide Mott with great options in the bowling attack as they hope to guide England through to the knockout stages of the World Cup in Australia. Topley has had his own injury problems to deal with which almost cut his playing career prematurely short. The 28-year-old has had to get through five stress fractures in his back over a six-year period. It was a tough time for Topley but his strong character and resilience has paid off as he gets set to feature in his second T20 World Cup for his country. The left-handed bowling option works in Topley’s favor in terms of selection in what is a highly-competitive attack that will most likely chop and change as the tournament progresses.
Meanwhile, the 32-year-old Willey also provides a strong option with ball in hand. The Yorkshire star has plenty of experience at T20 level with over 40 caps for England and his bowling style will also contrast well with those of Topley and Wood. The fact the former Northamptonshire all-rounder Willey can also be devastating with bat in hand will also play in his favor when it comes to selection.
There is no getting over the fact the loss of Bairstow was a real blow ahead of the 2022 T20 World Cup but in the absence of the Yorkshireman the likes of Wood, Topley and Willey in the bowling attack can help swing games in England’s favor.
