AADAM PATEL: A repeat of the 2016 final takes centre stage on day one of the Super 12s. Questions marks hover above both outfits and it is down to them to provide some answers in Dubai
Under the lights of the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, over 2000 days since that night in Kolkata, England and West Indies will again go toe to toe in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
Back in 2016, West Indies beat England twice - in the group stage and in that memorable final - on their way to a second title. A lot has changed since then. Barack Obama was still president. The United Kingdom had still not voted to leave the European Union. Never mind that; the thought of The Hundred had yet to enter our minds. But one thing hasn’t. Five years on, both these sides remain as two of the most feared in the shorter format of the game.
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The reigning champions will fancy their chances of retaining the trophy with a side that contains a wealth of experience. The likes of skipper Kieron Pollard, Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo, Andre Russell, and recently recalled Ravi Rampaul (who last played for the West Indies six years ago) are all back for the tournament. In many ways, it feels like the band is back together for the format that gets them going more than any other.
Roston Chase is in the squad after finishing as top scorer in the CPL, whilst Obed McCoy with his left-arm pace has established himself as one to watch with his variations. Both are expected to play. Without the inclusion of Sunil Narine however and the injury to Fabian Allen, their spin department consists of Hayden Walsh, Chase, and Gayle. Whether or not they exploit the slow surfaces out in the UAE will be interesting to see.
Pollard missed out in 2016 due to injury and will be taking part in his first World Cup since 2014. The prospect of representing and leading the West Indies at a major tournament is something that he is relishing.
“As the leader of the team, I try to gear myself and get myself in the best shape and the best order mentally, physically, and emotionally, so I can lead to the best of my ability. I haven’t played a World Cup in a long time, so I think that’s my motivating factor.”
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Their warm-up games against Pakistan and Afghanistan ended in defeat. Definitely not ideal preparation before the main event but it would be naive to write off this West Indies outfit. They know what it takes to win in this format.
Questions also remain over Gayle who comes into the tournament as the oldest player at 42. He has just one half-century in his last 26 T20I innings, however, he has the support of his captain.
“We are backing him to do well," added Pollard. "There are no words to describe what he has done. The guy with the most runs and most sixes (in T20 cricket). The fear that he instills in bowlers. The main goal for us and him in conversation is trying to win a World Cup and defending the title. He is looking forward to that.”
For Pollard, it’s a question of his side sticking to what they are renowned for, whilst also adapting to the conditions in the UAE to ensure that they can play more “complete games of cricket.”
With their all-around knowledge of the T20 format, the West Indies can not be underestimated. Not least by England who will be wary of the threat they pose.
Many will still fear them as genuine contenders.
As are England. Playing a brand of cricket that has seen them become one of the dominant forces in limited-overs cricket, captain Eoin Morgan firmly believes in the direction of the side.
Dawid Malan's place is under threat
“We’re always trying to push the limits and get better as a side," explained the Irishman. "Even since 2019, our cricket has been as consistent as ever. With the opportunity of not only this World Cup but next year’s as well, there’s a real chance of being contenders.“
Morgan has said that he will consider dropping himself at the tournament if his poor form continues. At the IPL, despite taking Kolkata Knight Riders to the final, he scored 133 runs at an average of 11.08, before managing just 10 against New Zealand in England’s final warm-up game.
“I will not stand in the way of my team winning the World Cup. I’ve been short of runs but my captaincy has been pretty good.
“I’ve always managed to treat them as two different challenges. You get two bites at the cherry impacting the game. As regards my batting, I wouldn’t be standing here if I hadn’t come out of every bad run of form that I’ve ever had.”
Morgan's captaincy has triggered a revolution behind English white-ball cricket. He said that it would be “unbelievably special” to lead England to another World Cup, but he will have to do so without the two men so influential in that 2019 campaign, Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer.
Nevertheless, England still possesses an abundance of options with their batting line-up, which will no doubt continue to be fearless in their approach. Jason Roy and Jos Buttler are expected to open with Jonny Bairstow, Morgan, Moeen Ali, and Liam Livingstone making up the middle order. However, It looks like an ever-increasing possibility that there may be no place for Dawid Malan.
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If he is left out, then any one of Moeen, Bairstow or Livingstone could potentially come in at three, leaving space for an extra bowling option.
Moeen is in fine form, coming off the back of the IPL and Morgan was full of praise for Chennai Super Kings' IPL winner.
“He’s a fantastic player and you’d have to say that in the form that he’s in, he a very good player that we could utilise at any stage through the tournament.”
With a West Indies top order that is filled with left-handers, the off-spin of Moeen will certainly come into play. His versatility with both bat and ball will be pivotal to England’s chances in the UAE.
Meanwhile, Adil Rashid took 3 for 18 against New Zealand and is arguably Morgan’s most important asset at the tournament. England’s tournament hopes will rely a lot on his effectiveness, especially in the evening games (of which England has four out of five) where the dew factor comes into play. Chris Jordan, Mark Wood, and Tymal Mills are expected to make up the pace options.
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The Emirate of Dubai, located on the eastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula clings onto this slim stretch of coast known as the Arabian Gulf. A land of skyscrapers, ports, and beaches. A playground for the rich. A modern-day metropolis. Home to nearly 200 nationalities, it is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world; an ideal place for a World Cup to be held with its fusion of cultures and traditions.
Remember the game?
Yet, out in the UAE, one could be forgiven for not noticing that a World Cup is going on. Mind you, there’s the small matter of the Dubai Expo going on - a universal celebration of 192 countries - which the country has spent eight years preparing for.
No striking billboards on the highway. No cities draped in banners. No replica kits in sight. Thankfully, many of the taxi drivers originate from the subcontinent and are aware of the festival of cricket which has landed on their doorstep.
In Oman, the first week of the competition has seen packed out stands in a nation where 10 years ago, there wasn’t even a grass cricket ground. A fine vision for all who want to see the game expand.
In contrast, in Abu Dhabi, there’s been as many staff as spectators through the preliminary phase. The sight of predominantly empty grounds is never a good sign for any sport. For a tournament with wonderful stories thus far, be it Scotland defeating Bangladesh, Curtis Campher’s four in four, and Namibia’s first wins at the World Cup, on the ground, there is still a feeling of a lack of occasion and appreciation. A sense that special things are happening and special things are around the corner, but a genuine shame that only so few are around to witness in person.
Expect that to change over the weekend when the tournament rocks up to Dubai with the four teams, tipped by some to make up the final four. After the repeat of the last final, there is the small matter of India v Pakistan on Sunday (October 25).
For the Windies, it’s a matter of showcasing to the world that they intend on keeping their title. A win against England will go a long way to stamping that mark. For England, it’s a chance at redemption from five years ago and there is arguably no better way to begin that journey than to defeat the only team that they failed to beat in India.
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