(Siasat source)
Nasser Hussain, the ex-England skipper, has extended his gratitude towards the Indian Premier League (IPL) for aiding English players in their readiness for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024.
Yesterday, the English squad showcased their skills in the 4th T20I clash against Pakistan at the Kia Oval stadium. This match marked their final outing before departing for the Caribbean, where they will participate in the T20 World Cup, jointly hosted by the USA. England enters this tournament as the defending champions, having clinched the previous T20 WC in Australia by defeating Pakistan in the final.
It’s evident that the England team is keen on avoiding the errors they encountered during their defense campaign at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 in India. Despite securing the 2019 CWC under Eoin Morgan’s leadership, they faced challenges four years later under the captaincy of Jos Buttler. However, following their series victory over Pakistan yesterday, their prospects for a successful title defense appear promising.
Nasser Hussain extends gratefulness towards the IPL
Nasser Hussain, who provided commentary for the 4th T20I match between England and Pakistan yesterday on Sky Sports, expressed his gratitude towards the IPL for multiple reasons. The former cricketer emphasized that the IPL, widely recognized as the wealthiest T20 league globally, deserves more acknowledgment for its significant role in aiding international players in their readiness for major tournaments and high-pressure matches.
Nasser Hussain credited the IPL for preparing the England players both for their recent series and the forthcoming World Cup. Players like Phil Salt, Jos Buttler, Will Jacks, Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, and Liam Livingstone had impactful and successful spells with their respective IPL franchises.
Salt clinched an IPL title with the Kolkata Knight Riders, while Buttler returned to England after a remarkable IPL 2024 season, notching up two centuries for the Rajasthan Royals. Will Jacks made a significant contribution to the Royal Challengers Bangalore’s unbeaten streak in the latter half of the tournament.
Bairstow’s leadership and century helped Punjab Kings achieve a historic chase against KKR, while Moeen Ali and Liam Livingstone had commendable performances with CSK and PBKS respectively. Consequently, Hussain acknowledged the IPL for providing English players with the experience of performing in high-stakes matches before massive crowds.
“They’re a very balanced side, they’ve played in a lot of big games. We don’t talk enough about the IPL and how that obviously sets you up as a cricketer but also sets you up in big games. And under pressure and big crowds and that’s what you need going into a World Cup. So they’ve done all that they could do.” – Nassen Hussain said via Sky Sports.
England squad for T20 World Cup 2024
Jos Buttler (c), Moeen Ali, Jofra Archer, Jonathan Bairstow, Harry Brook, Sam Curran, Ben Duckett, Tom Hartley, Will Jacks, Chris Jordan, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Reece Topley, Mark Wood
