In the build-up to England's crucial game against Sri Lanka on Thursday, live on Sky Sports, Kate Cross discusses the need for England to find the right balance in the number 7 position and to get Moeen Ali "back in the team".
Tuesday 24 October 2023 11:31, UK
England must solve their issues in the number 7 role and find a place for Moeen Ali ahead of a pivotal game against Sri Lanka on Thursday, says Kate Cross.
The 2019 champions have lost three of their opening four matches to sit bottom of the 10-team table on two points, with only the top four sides progressing beyond the group stage.
The record 229-run loss to South Africa on Saturday - the heaviest defeat in their ODI history - has left hopes of retaining the trophy hanging by a thread.
England now likely need five wins from five in their remaining group-stage matches, starting with Sri Lanka on Thursday, live on Sky Sports, and there can be no room for error in their team selection, according to Cross.
"I think that number 7 role is one they can't quite get the balance right," Cross told Sky Sports.
"Matthew Mott (head coach) spoke to us after the game, and he felt they made mistakes with the decision making around the team, so I think the brains trust in the group are really going to have to go away and work out what suits the pitch that they are going to play on, on Thursday.
"Nas (Nasser Hussain) has spoken about (how) they are really stats-based, chasing scores and average scores, but they need to play what's in front of them, so they are really going to have to assess that.
"Brydon (Carse) probably won't be able or eligible (to play) for Thursday, so for me I think you need to try and get Moeen Ali back in the team, Chris Woakes hasn't had a great start to the tournament but then got left out, so his confidence might not be in the best place, it's going to be a difficult selection."
Cross also expressed disappointment for Reece Topley, who was ruled out of the rest of the Cricket World Cup after he fractured his left index finger during England's defeat against South Africa on Saturday.
She said: "Such a shame for him, isn't it? When you see the comebacks these players go through, a back injury is really hard to come back from, it is a lot of rehab, a lot of time in the gym, and a lot of wondering if you are going to play cricket again.
"But then to have those setbacks after that (injury) as well, he has been a really key part of England's one-day team in the last couple of months. He has been taking wickets up front and it did look so innocuous, didn't it?
"And for him to come back on and bowl, I actually thought that was a real testament to his character; the fact that it is the finger he will be trying to control with, and he was able to come back out. I think he had an injection in it when he went off the pitch and then came back out, so it is not for the want or lack of trying from the England team, it just feels that it has not quite got going yet."
England now face Sri Lanka in a crucial fixture on Thursday in Bangalore, in a hope to revive their competition hopes. Watch the live coverage on Sky Sports Cricket from 9am (first ball at 9.30am).
