Predicting ENG-C’s Playing XI for the 5th Match against WI-C in World Championship of Legends 2025

As the World Championship of Legends 2025 welcomes match 5 between England Champions (ENG-C) and West Indies Champions, there is plenty to follow as ENG-C, fresh off their no-result against Australia Champions in Birmingham, will desperately want to get back on track and win this match in what may arguably be their toughest match of the tournament so far. With a near full-strength squad and high stakes, this promised to be an exhilarating match, and fans should expect plenty of action at the County Ground, Northampton. Below is a predicted best playing XI for ENG-C using a player’s recent performances as a basis.

Top-Order

Phil Mustard and Alastair Cook have been the opening pair for ENG-C. Mustard, despite having been out early in his last innings, showcased his impact capacity with a purportedly damaging 4 runs off 2 balls at a strike rate of 200, so a good aggressive opener. Cook, the experienced tournament player, controlled the innings with a calm 10 runs off 10 balls and could set the T20 tone for the innings when required. 

Additionally, Cook’s ability to rotate the strike will complement Mustard’s aggressive batting style so that Phil gets a turn at many balls and Cook can stabilize the innings when required.

Middle Order 

When it comes to the middle order, the two pillars to support ENG-C, James Vince and Eoin Morgan, both played crucial innings. Vince showed a glimpse of his aggressive style with a fast-paced 23 off 14 with two sixes, which shows his ability to propel the innings in the middle overs. Morgan, the captain, played a much-needed knock with 44 off 37 that consisted of three fours and two sixes. 

Not only is Morgan the captain, but one of the in-form batsmen, who can produce quick runs when required, especially under pressure. Both players have experience and are very capable of rebuilding an innings that was somewhat start-stop, or even chasing down targets to ensure ENG-C does not miss out on any crucial moments with their batting.

All-Rounders

Both with bat and ball, Ravi Bopara and Samit Patel personified the all-rounder role for ENG-C. Bopara exhibited his temperament by frequently finding the boundary in an unbeaten score of 36 off 32 balls at a staggering strike rate of 112.5. In the finish of the innings when boundaries needed to be found, he made it look easy and a good selection to finish off the innings.

He readily changes from being defensive to attack mode and becomes a finisher. Patel only registered 2 runs not out from his short stay, but Patel is far more than his low score with the addition of quality left-arm spin and lower-order batting options.

Bowlers

Both Dan Christian and Peter Siddle are wicket-taking options with the ball. For Christians, you consider it is in-form, 3 overs for 17 runs, and a very important wicket. It is a proof of concept for a lot of those important middle overs, if you like. Siddle was the same in that he bowled a disciplined line and length that produced a wicket, and it cost only 14 runs from 3 overs, 4.67 economy.

Each could take a wicket at an important time (Siddle with experience and weight of performances under pressure, and in the case of Christian, under the weight of performance in competitive cricket matches on match day, and against a breathtakingly competitive West Indies line-up). 

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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