3 changes England should make for 2nd T20I against Australia

England lost the first of the three T20Is against Australia by a fair margin of 28 runs. Barring the bowling after the powerplay overs and batting in the powerplay overs, nothing went in the way of the home side. It seemed like there was trouble in the playing combination of England, especially in the lower middle order where it seemed like they did not have enough batting. It hampered their run chase. 

Australia currently sits better in the series having won the first match. They are in great confidence having won their last 4 T20Is. They do not have to make as many changes to their side. But England, with their questionable combination and tactics, might have to make changes. It will be crucial for their chances to stay alive in the series. Here are three possible changes that could lift the home side in the series.

Also Check :- Predicting England’s playing 11 for the 2nd T20I against Australia

1. Dan Mousley for Reece Topley

In the first T20I, it seemed like England was a batter short. After Liam Livingstone at number 4, the home side’s batting lineup had Jacob Bethell at 5 and Sami Curran at 6. Jamie Overton was England’s number 7. In a format like T20Is, it’s risky to go with just four genuine batters. Though Curran is a capable batter, there needs to be an extra batter.

England probably needs someone like Dan Mousley in their lineup. He is someone who can bat well and also be handy with the ball. In the first T20I, Reece Topley did not seem to be in a good rhythm. Hence, getting Dan in his place might not be a bad call. It would strengthen England’s lineup as there’s nothing to be lost and everything to be gained.

2. Change in batting position and bowling order of Sam Curran

Sam Curran is a multi-utility player. However, England probably did not use him well. With the ball, he started in the middle overs as a second-change bowler while his primary skill is to swing the new ball. He could replace Reece Topley with the new ball and have a go at the aggressive openers. He is not suited to bowl in the middle overs, especially with his lack of pace.

Even in the batting order, he came to bat at number 6 when a lot of wickets were already lost. In the IPL and the Hundred, he batted a bit higher and anchored the innings. He would be used better higher up the order. Currently, he is batting a bit too low or rather out of position as per his current form. It would allow others to fire from their end.

3. Using Liam Livingstone as a designated finisher

Liam Livingstone is an aggressive batter. The current England lineup needs someone like him to finish the innings. Given the lack of batting depth, there is a need for him to bat lower down the order. Having Sam Curran and potentially Dan Mousley bat higher up the order would be a better option for England. They lacked the finishing prowess in the first T20I.

Liam can bat well at any position. But making the most of others would be crucial for England. Livingstone can fire at the death as well. Getting Curran to anchor the innings and the duo of Mousley and Bethell to go bonkers would be a better option. That way, England can strengthen their batting. Liam would be handy with the ball in the middle overs.

Nolan

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