England’s 2023 World Cup campaign in India has been forgettable so far. The defending champions have won only one match, which was against Bangladesh. In their other five matches, England suffered defeats at the hands of Afghanistan, India, New Zealand, South Africa and even qualifier Sri Lanka.
The pair of Jos Buttler and Matthew Mott has proved to be a huge flop in the ODI format. Like 2015, England will have to press the reboot button on the ODI team after the 2023 World Cup ends. They will have to take some tough decisions and it is possible that the following three players may never wear the England jersey in the ODI format again.
1. Ben Stokes may retire from ODI and never play for England after the 2023 World Cup
Test captain Ben Stokes had announced his retirement from ODI cricket last year itself. However, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) urged him to change his decision and play in the 2023 World Cup. Stokes came back from retirement, but this decision did not benefit the England team. Due to Stokes’ injury, he will not be able to bowl in this mega event. He even missed the first few matches of the tournament and is now struggling to contribute as a specialist batsman.
2. Moeen Ali
Senior all-rounder Moeen Ali now seems to be becoming a T20 specialist. Due to his IPL experience he was expected to play a big role in Indian conditions. However, Ali has struggled to make an impact in both departments of the game.
3. Reece Topley
Reece Topley has probably suffered the most injuries by a cricketer in the history of the game. Unfortunately he has suffered injuries in almost every other match he has played for England. Perhaps, the left-arm fast bowler may retire from the longer formats of the game and play only T20Is going forward.
