Ever since the embarrassment in the ODI World Cup in 2015, where they couldn’t even progress to the knockouts, there has been a massive turnaround in England’s limited-overs fortunes. Under the leadership of Eoin Morgan, England finished runners-up in the 2016 World T20, won the 50-overs World Cup at home in 2019, and were one of the semi-finalists during last year’s T20 World Cup.

In limited-overs cricket, England have been a powerhouse since then. But Morgan — the man who played a leading role in bringing about a change in their fortunes in white-ball cricket — has since quit the game, with the explosive Jos Buttler taking over the captaincy reins. Under captain Buttler, England’s record so far in T20Is hasn’t been extraordinary although they have taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the ongoing three-match series versus Australia Down Under.

Will the results of these matches, which follow their series win in Pakistan, be able to put Buttler and his teammates in the space where they wanted to be? That remains to be seen. The Telegraph analyses this English side seeking their second T20 World Cup title after 12 years.

STRENGTHS

England’s batting line-up is not just strong but features one power-hitter after another. Captain Buttler, set to open alongside Alex Hales, leads by example. Even if Buttler fails to fire, England still have the likes of the impressive Liam Livingstone, and all-rounders Moeen Ali and Ben Stokes, who can all change the course of the game with their big-hitting ability.

Top-order batter Dawid Malan tends to rely a little more on timing and placement, but when needed, he too can ensure the ball goes the distance. Among their bowlers, even pacers Chris Woakes and David Willey along with leg-spinner Adil Rashid are good enough to unleash some meaty blows.

Left-arm pacer all-rounder Sam Curran’s current form, considering how well he bowled in the recent T20Is against Australia, should bring a lot of relief to the English camp. Mark Wood’s ability to generate extra pace will also certainly matter.

WEAKNESSES

England may badly miss Jonny Bairstow, who’s sidelined with a dislocated left ankle. Bairstow had been in the form of his life. His presence in the current squad would certainly have given England a massive lift. Although there’s plenty of power in their batting, the batters tend to find it tough to score in conditions offering some help for bowlers. England’s home series versus India, which they lost 1-2 in July, is one example. In conditions that offered some swing and movement, the Buttlers and Livingstones were all neutralised. If opposition spinners bowl tight lines, even then these English batsmen tend to look scratchy. The bowlers sometimes make a mess of things when under pressure, something that has cost England quite a few games in the last couple of years. Agreed, leg-spinner Rashid is one of the consistent bowlers in the English attack, but on an off day, he runs the risk of being the most expensive.

X-FACTOR

England would pray that fitness doesn’t go on to be an issue for Stokes. Because, if he’s at 100 per cent fitness-wise, England will have very few reasons to worry about. Everyone knows his capability and capacity as a batsman and with the ball as well. And then while fielding at the deep, he can come up with acrobatic stuff in the form of a match-turning scintillating catch. The only thing the English team management may need to think about is Stokes’ position in the batting order. That said, flexibility isn’t a problem for him.

CUP RECORD

Champions: 2010 Runners-up: 2016 Semi-finalists: 2021