As Harry Brook stepped onto the field during England's second T20 World Cup match, the team was already in a nearly insurmountable position. Entering the game in Barbados with England at four wickets down and needing 78 runs from just 35 balls, the challenge was formidable, especially against Australia’s potent bowling attack.
This scenario echoed Brook’s remarkable performance in Grenada last December, where he led England to victory with an unbeaten 31 from seven balls, even when 40 runs were needed from just 13 deliveries. However, the conditions in Barbados were less favourable for scoring, and against a superior Australian bowling line up, Brook struggled to find his rhythm. It wasn’t until his 13th ball, long after an English victory had become impossible, that Brook managed his first boundary, ending with 20 not out from 16 balls.
Despite these struggles, Brook’s effort was notably more substantial than that of Jonny Bairstow, whom he replaced. Bairstow, managing only seven runs from 13 balls, appeared to struggle, swinging across the line without conviction before being caught at wide long-on. The core challenge in constructing a T20 batting line up is to ensure that the most influential players have the greatest impact on the game. Reflecting on Australia's 2010 T20 World Cup final loss to England, where their best batsman Mike Hussey was held back until No. 7, Brook's delayed entry at No. 6 in Barbados was similarly advantageous for Australia.
Brook's prowess in white-ball cricket for England, while not yet as illustrious as his Test career, showcases a dynamic range and crispness in his strokes, making him one of the most feared English batsmen. His T20 international record includes hitting a six every 15 balls, underlining his explosive potential, as seen in standout innings like his 81 not out from 35 balls in Karachi, a quick-fire 46 not out from 29 balls in Lahore, and his dramatic rescue against the West Indies last year.
Typically batting at No. 5 or No. 6 for England in T20s, Brook demonstrated his capability to control the game from No. 4 during last summer’s series against New Zealand, scoring 43 not out from 27 balls and 67 from 36 balls in successive matches, both leading to victories. Yet, despite these performances affirming his suitability for a higher-order role, he has frequently been pushed down the batting order.
Promoting Brook to bat at No. 4 would necessitate difficult decisions regarding the line up. Bairstow, with his notable ability to clear the ropes, recently showcased his talent with a blistering 108 not out from 48 balls, including nine sixes, in the Indian Premier League. This was achieved while opening, a role familiar to him. Given England's plethora of opening options and Bairstow's proficiency against spin, he finds himself in a less familiar position lower in the order; Saturday marked only his third T20 innings at No. 4 or lower since July 2022. England now must evaluate whether Bairstow can deliver the power needed at No. 5 or No. 6, or if it’s time to consider other options.
If Bairstow is to be dropped, Ben Duckett stands out as a logical replacement, being the spare specialist batsman in the squad and a left-hander, adding variety. However, Duckett’s strengths lie in his improvisation and skill against spin, which are best utilised within the top four. His relative lack of raw power may limit his effectiveness in the Caribbean's unique T20 context, where the combination of short boundaries and varied pitch conditions often sees teams hitting as many sixes as fours.
Conversely, Sam Curran fits the demands of T20 in the West Indies more aptly. Since 2022, Curran has hit six every 16 balls in T20 games, compared to Duckett's one every 44 balls. Selecting Curran would diversify England’s middle order, placing left-handers Moeen Ali and Curran at No. 5 and No. 7, with right-hander Liam Livingstone at No. 6. Curran also brings added value with his bowling capabilities.
While Curran’s standout performance in the last T20 World Cup seemed exceptional, his ability to bowl in various phases of the game remains invaluable. In a recent match, he demonstrated his versatility by taking 2-24 in three overs as an opening bowler and then securing a victory with 63 not out from 41 balls at No. 5 for Punjab Kings.
Including Curran in the line up would provide England with another seam option who can bat in the top seven. On Antigua's slow, turning pitches, Curran’s presence could allow England to emulate the West Indies’ strategy and recognise the importance of slow left-arm spin. This could lead to Tom Hartley, known for his competitive spirit in international cricket, joining Adil Rashid as a second frontline spinner.
In summary, England’s strategic decisions in the batting order and player selection will be crucial as they navigate the challenges of the T20 World Cup, especially when faced with the task of advancing through such competitive fixtures.