Aakash Chopra believes the England ODI squad would undergo significant changes following their dismal performance in the 2023 World Cup.
On Sunday, October 29, India defeated the reigning champs with a 100-run victory during their league match in Lucknow. This defeat, led by Jos Buttler, was the team’s fifth in six games. It has led to them being at the bottom of the points table, significantly reducing their chances in the tournament.
Commenting on these events in a YouTube video, Aakash Chopra implies that England is seeking short-term solutions rather than considering long-term strategies. He detailed:
“What has happened to this team? Firstly, they came with a slight reputation. You will see changes in this team after this tournament. I won’t be surprised if some people bid goodbye to ODI cricket.”
“You got Ben Stokes out of retirement in any case. You called Moeen Ali back in Tests. England cricket is trying to put a Band-Aid where probably surgery is required here. This team didn’t prepare for this tournament properly.”
Aakash Chopra
After resuming his ODI retirement, Ben Stokes was named to England’s World Cup team. England’s Test captain, who had missed the previous three games owing to a hip ailment, went out for a duck against India while playing an awkward shot.
Aakash Chopra: No Expert Expected England to Miss Top 4 in World Cup
Aakash Chopra stated that England’s dismal performance has proven most pre-tournament forecasts incorrect. He stated:
“We all got fooled. I don’t know of an expert who didn’t keep them in the top four. I don’t even call myself an expert. All of us had predicted, for whatever it is worth, that England will definitely reach there, that they play amazing cricket but do they do that?”
Aakash Chopra
The acclaimed analyst stated that the previous edition’s victors were found inadequate in both batting and bowling. He went on to say:
“England’s story has been extremely ordinary. The bowling has not looked that sharp. Although they did bowl well in this match, but not very impressive throughout the tournament. Batting is extremely disappointing, from Jonny Bairstow to Jos Buttler.”
Aakash Chopra
Jos Buttler, according to Chopra, may have had the worst World Cup of his career. He continued by saying that after the tournament is over, a few careers could be on the line.
