THE 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham are only a matter of weeks away, and Cricket is making its triumphant return to the schedule at these Games. In preparation, we will be taking a look at each of the competing nations to see how they stack up.

Today’s preview is of host nation, England.

England will have more than one motivation driving them forward at these Commonwealth Games.

Firstly, they are the home side, so will naturally want to do well in front of their adoring fans.

Secondly, the way their last T20 World Cup finished will have certainly hurt, with their semi final cancelled without a ball bowled due to the rain, and because they finished lower on their respective ladder than opponents India, it was the Indians who advanced to go through to the final.

England are one of the strongest sides in the tournament, and have the talent and experience to go far in the tournament as they regularly do.

From a batting perspective, it is hard to go past the explosive capabilities of Danni Wyatt and skipper Heather Knight, who can both put on a show if not reeled in early. Both are handy part-time bowlers too, so that just adds to an already extensive list of talented bowling options at England’s disposal.

Speaking of their bowlers, speedsters Katherine Brunt and Nat Sciver as well as spinner Sophie Ecclestone are all world classed and very experienced, and a daunting prospect for any opponent to come up against.

There are a couple of potential debutants in the squad, with Alice Capsey and Freya Kemp both in line to make their international debuts at the tournament.

Issy Wong has also been named in the English T20 squad for the first time, and is set to make her debut in her home town.

The notable omission from this squad is the experienced opener Tammy Beaumont, with selectors opting for the youth of Capsey and Kemp.

In terms of England’s schedule, it is in the tougher pool but has less uncertainties for the English.

Since the last T20 World Cup the English have played the New Zealand White Ferns in two separate T20 series, one held in each country. The English won the series in New Zealand 3-0, and the series in England two to one.

The South Africans were the only team at the last World Cup that the English could not beat, plus the English are about to start a series against the South Africans, so both sides will get a good look at each other before they face each other at the Commonwealth Games.

The biggest element of uncertainty for the English comes in the form of the Sri Lankans, who the English play very rarely. 

English Squad

Heather Knight (c), Maia Bouchier, Katherine Brunt, Alice Capsey, Kate Cross, Freya Davies, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Sarah Glenn, Amy Jones, Freya Kemp, Nat Sciver, Bryony Smith, Issy Wong, Danni Wyatt

England’s Schedule

Saturday 30 July – Sri Lanka
Tuesday 2 August – South Africa
Thursday 4 August – New Zealand