England’s countdown to the T20 World Cup starts in Leeds on Wednesday when they kick off their four-match series against Pakistan at Headingley.
These matches are the only preparation Jos Buttler’s men will have before they fly out to the Caribbean on 31 May ahead of their tournament opener against Scotland in Barbados on 4 June.
The bad news is the forecast for Leeds is terrible, with a yellow weather warning for rain in place until 6am on Thursday.
If the game does not go ahead, it will leave just three more for England to get everything in place before they start the defence of the tournament they won in Australia two years ago.
Buttler admitted on the eve of this series opener that his team’s horrendous first-round exit from the 50-over World Cup in India last autumn still stings.
“There’s not extra pressure but that pride was obviously dented,” he said.
“But life moves on and we’re presented with a new opportunity, a different format. We want to give a better account of ourselves in the West Indies.”
England should be positive. There’s been an infusion of fresh blood into the squad and the loss of Ben Stokes – matchwinner in the 2022 final but now concentrating on red-ball cricket ahead of the Test summer – is balanced by the return to fitness of Jofra Archer.
So what are the big issues for England ahead of the World Cup?
Is everyone fit?
No. Buttler confirmed ahead of this match: “Liam Livingstone’s not fit for tomorrow. He’s getting his knee right. Mark Wood’s not fit either.”
Wood has not played since England’s final Test against India in Dharamshala two months ago and i has been told it is a niggle with his left knee. He was seen running in training on Tuesday. Livingstone injured his right knee in the Indian Premier League last month. England say they are managing him through this series with a view to him being fully fit for the World Cup.
What does top order look like?
England’s predicted top seven contains just one left-hander in Moeen Ali. Variety between right-handers and southpaws creates extra challenges for bowlers and fielding captains.
But the top three of Buttler, Phil Salt and Will Jacks looks set in stone, with a left-hander in Ben Duckett only in the squad as cover. It is likely that Moeen might be promoted when the game situation allows given England are always fluid with their batting line-up in T20s.
What happens if Buttler misses games?
England’s captain confirmed on Tuesday he would be at the imminent birth of his third child, saying: “My family comes first. I’ll be there. I don’t think they [babies] quite tell you sometimes when they’re going to come, but I’ve got a plan in place.”
Whenever that time comes – and it might be during the World Cup itself – Buttler will leave the team and miss games, especially if he has to fly back from the Caribbean.
In that scenario, Moeen his deputy, will captain the team. Buttler confirmed on Tuesday he will be keeping wicket and in his absence it’s likely Salt would take the gloves ahead of Jonny Bairstow.
Who replaces Stokes?
Stokes cannot be replaced. But England are not short on all-rounders – with Jacks, Livingstone, Moeen and Sam Curran in the squad.
Does Archer play every game?
Buttler confirmed the fast bowler will play in Leeds. As for how many games he’ll play in this series, he added: “As many as possible – he’s missed a lot of cricket.”
England are mindful of managing Archer and the injury to his right elbow that has affected him so badly over the past four years. But all being well, he’ll be fully firing come the World Cup.
What’s the best bowling line-up? How many spinners?
One of Archer or Wood for out-and-out pace. Reece Topley looks a lock when it comes to the left-arm option. Death-bowling specialist and gun fielder Chris Jordan is also looking good to make the XI, especially as he offers power with the bat at No 8.
In terms of spin, Adil Rashid is a certainty, with Moeen, Livingstone and Jacks offering support. Tom Hartley might also come into the equation on pitches that offer significant turn. In Livingstone’s absence, Curran probably comes in, although Hartley would be another option.