World number one ODI side, England’s dreams came true as they sealed a historic ICC World Cup 2019 trophy. The England cricket team emerged victorious in the 2019 World Cup after winning the final against New Zealand at Lord’s on Sunday. Eoin Morgan’s side won a tight affair on basis of more boundaries hit after the match and the super over both ended in a tie. It was ecstasy for the Three Lions and agony for New Zealand, who gave everything and forced a tie.
England, who have set the standards high for others in the 50-over format, were the pre-tournament favourites. They played a serious brand of cricket since the early exit from the 2015 World Cup. One should laud coach Trevor Bayliss and skipper Eoin Morgan for instilling that confidence and winning attitude in the side.
England played at a different level much higher than the others since the last few years. Their mantra of playing to the strengths and not having a fear of failing was perhaps the biggest factor of their belief in winning the World Cup. They stuck to a familiar bunch of players. Everyone knew their role and that was the X-Factor of this team.
The depth of this English side could work in their favour. England could be the most dominant force of cricket in the 50-over format in the near future. They worked hard since the last few years and despite achieving the goal, one expects them to continue in the same vein and be hungry for more.
Here we review England’s campaign in the ICC World Cup 2019.
Archer-led bowling was a dream to savour
England had a strong pace unit and their four premier names picked up 65 wickets between them. The bowling played a serious role in helping the Three Lions excel in the 2019 World Cup. England’s ability to place trust in 24-year-old Jofra Archer was the masterstroke. Archer’s influence and promise was such as England knew it that he could be their main man in the coveted 50-over World Cup.
Pacer Jofra Archer was a major trump card for Morgan’s men. He picked up 20 scalps and bowled that crucial super over in the finale. At 24 years of age, Archer showed he is a real deal and a quick learner as well.
There was that element of trust placed in him within a short span of time. Come the end of the World Cup which England won after defeating New Zealand, Archer turned out to be the hero. Seasoned bowlers Chris Woakes, Mark Wood and Liam Plunkett all came in to put up strong displays. Everyone fitted in their role perfectly.
Also captain Eoin Morgan was smart enough to go in with six bowlers in the campaign. That gave him options to carry out plans well. He rotated his bowling options and was smart enough to know when to utilise whom. He was in comfort with the options in hand. Spinner Adil Rashid put up valiant displays as well.
Altogether, England’s bowling stood out and played a major role in the 2019 World Cup.
Stokes leads the charge of England’s complete batting showÂ
Another major reason was the batting. England boasted of an unit that hardly fails with the bat. If the openers miss out, then the middle order clicks. If the middle order fails, then you have batsmen at number 7 and 8 to come and hurt you. There was that element of trust that worked. Their top order in particular played a strong role in CWC 19.
In Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow, England found solace in terms of consistency and aggression. Both were in sync to take the game away from the opposition. They scored so quickly and the partnerships laid the foundation.
Joe Root and Ben Stokes stood out in the 2019 World Cup for England. Root at number three scored 556 runs and showed consistency. Stokes was the hero for the English. He enjoyed his best ever tournament as a cricketer. That’s why he is considered as a superstar and respected all around.
Stokes had a serious tourney and besides scoring runs aplenty, he chipped in with seven scalps and a high level of fielding. Joining him in the field was Bairstow. He fielded superbly in the boundary line. These small bits contributed towards England’s success.
What attributes made England click?
The attributes that made England click was that they played as a team. There was a lot of trust and confidence among players that worked. Players knew that they had each other’s backs. Also, a positive brand of cricket helped them. They lost thrice in the league stage, but peaked at the right time to have that extra edge.
Since the exit in the 2015 World Cup, the ground work was laid. Team director Andrew Strauss continued to back Morgan as skipper. That was the first victory. With Morgan and Bayliss in command, England found two natural leaders. When you have these personalities who support you and allow you to express yourself, half of the battle is won.
The other half is executing the plans on the cricket field. And England did well in the front on a regular basis. The Morgan-led side bossed the ODIs since the last 2-3 years and set so many records. Therefore, things perhaps looked destined for them in terms of clinching the 2019 edition of the World Cup.