SWOT Analysis: Here's a look at all aspects for defending champions England for ODI World Cup 2023

The defending ODI World Cup champions, England are all set to begin their journey to defend the title in the upcoming ODI World Cup 2023. They will start their run in the tournament with their campaign opener against the last edition’s runners-up, New Zealand. Both teams will play the tournament opener at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Thursday, October 5.

The Three Lions will be playing in the tournament with their new ODI captain Jos Buttler who took charge last year after the former World Cup-winning skipper Eoin Morgan hung his boots in international cricket.

Currently, they are locking horns with the hosts, India in their ongoing first warm-up match ahead of the main round of the tournament. Meanwhile, here we’ll have a look at all the aspects of the English side with their SWOT analysis for the upcoming ODI World Cup 2023.

Strength – The world-class top-order batting, pace bowling and Ben Stokes’ return to ODIs

Ben Stokes (source-twitter)

The England team is studded with some brilliant and outstanding batters in the top order, including the likes of skipper Jos Buttler, Jonny Bairstow, Dawid Malan, Joe Root, and Harry Brook. These batters have a knack for changing the match anytime in favour of the reigning champions.

Apart from that, the return of the star all-rounder Ben Stokes will also be a great positive for England in the quest for their second consecutive ODI World Cup title. His swashbuckling batting display in the recently concluded ODI series against New Zealand will be an added boost for the side.

On the other hand, they have also a brilliant pace attack which might rattle any batting order on their peak. This pace attack includes the likes of Mark Wood, Reece Topley, and Mark Wood. Star all-rounder Ben Stokes could add quality as an additional pacer in the playing XI.

Weakness - Jofra Archer's prolonged injury keeping him as a reserve player

Jofra Archer, England (Source: Twitter)

Other than the above-mentioned strengths for the English side; they might also grapple with one of their weaknesses, which is the injury of star pacer Jofra Archer, who is there in the squad but just as a travelling reserve for the side.

He was one of the key factors in England’s ODI World Cup 2019 win and played a great role in guiding them to their maiden title win in the history of the ODI World Cup. Having Archer in the reserves and not in the main squad could be one of the headaches for the English team management.

Opportunity - Take advantage of their IPL experience in the Indian conditions

Mark Wood

Apart from having the benefit of being the defending World Champions, England have also the players in their lineup who have a good experience of playing in the Indian Premier League. So, it would be quite easier for them to settle in the Indian playing conditions.

A lot of players, including Moeen Ali, skipper Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes, Mark Wood, and young all-rounder Sam Curran are some of the few prime names who might tackle the Indian surfaces quite easily, be it in bowling or in batting.

Threat – Playing in front of the Indian crowd

India vs England (Image Source: Twitter)

Having most of the things in their favour, Jos Buttler’s men will also be going through a threat, which is none other than playing in front of the Indian crowd. The pressure of the Indian crowd can’t be denied for any team, even the hosts, India themselves.

So, England could have to face this threat of the Indian crowd, who are always there in the stadiums with some over-added expectations with the teams and players and that too in a tournament like an ODI World Cup.

Here’s a look at the England squad for ODI World Cup 2023:

Jos Buttler (c), Moeen Ali, Gus Atkinson, Jonny Bairstow, Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone, Dawid Malan, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes, Reece Topley, David Willey, Mark Wood, Chris Woakes.