Former England cricketer and commentator, Nasser Hussain, has attributed the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 for setting up the England cricket team for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. Hussain’s comments come in the wake of England’s successful series against Pakistan, where they emerged victorious with a 2-0 win.
Nasser Hussain highlights IPL’s role
Hussain emphasized the IPL’s role in exposing the England team to high-pressure games and large crowds, which he believes is crucial preparation for a tournament as significant as the World Cup. Eight out of the fifteen members of the England squad participated in the IPL 2024, gaining invaluable experience from the high-voltage clashes throughout the tournament.
“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,” said Hussain on Sky Sports.
The players were called back from the IPL just before the playoffs to prepare for the series against Pakistan. The decision proved fruitful as the Jos Buttler-led side sealed the series by winning the fourth T20I by seven wickets.
Hussain credits the IPL for not only honing the cricketers’ skills but also for preparing them for big games. He believes that the pressure and the presence of large crowds at IPL matches are akin to the conditions the players will face in the World Cup.
Nasser Hussain said "You have to give credit to the Indian Premier League for setting these England players for this series and the World Cup" 🇵🇰🇮🇳😭😭😭#tapmad #HojaoADFree #PAKvsENG #ENGvPAK pic.twitter.com/giaOwcGJJn
— Naabi 👑✨ (@its_naabi) May 31, 2024
However, Hussain also cautioned that the team needs to have a Plan B if they don’t start well in the tournament, similar to the ODI World Cup 2023. He stressed the need for the team to adapt to slower pitches and devise strategies to counter stronger sides.
Under Buttler’s leadership, Hussain feels that the team is in a good place heading into the tournament. After wrapping up their preparations with a series win over Pakistan, England will start their campaign in the T20 World Cup with a game against Scotland on June 4. The defending champions are placed in Group B alongside Oman, Namibia, Scotland, and Australia.
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