The ICC World Cup 2019, so far, has seen a mix of both impressive batting and bowling displays.
In today’s scenario, where 300-plus scores have become a daily routine, teams are heavily reliant on their fast bowlers—whose yorkers and bouncers can change the course of the game. The recent triumph of the West Indies over Pakistan was a good example of aggressive bowling coming to the forefront. For perspective, in the 1992 World Cup, it was Pakistan's bowling unit, spearheaded by Wasim Akram, that helped the side win the title.
To this end, World Cup favourites England have a battery of young pacer bowlers, who have added to the team’s glory in recent times.
Jofra Archer, the latest addition to the England World Cup squad, has been in the spotlight since his inclusion in the team. It was Archer's performance in the T20 format, that earned him a spot, though it stirred controversy as some pointed to the lack of experience in the one-day format. However, Archer proved his critics wrong by running through the South African batting in his World Cup debut to finish with figures of 3/27 in 7 overs. Archer's extra pace gives him an advantage on pitches that has seen an absence in swing variations.
Mark Wood, the right-arm fast bowler who missed the match against South Africa, has passed the fitness test. Wood's capability to bowl at speeds over 90mph-plus makes him an ideal choice.
Chris Woakes is one of the top 10 bowlers in the ODI rankings. He is the only pacer to have been a part of the 2015 World Cup squad and his experience might prove crucial to the bowling unit.
With a score of 89 in just 79 balls and bowling figures of 2/12 in 2.5 overs, in addition to a 'superhuman' catch in his first World Cup match, Ben Stokes is a gem to watch out for. His contributions with both the bat and ball, as well as in the field, undoubtedly put Stokes in the league of players to watch out for in this World Cup.
The likes of bowling all-rounder Tom Curran and right-arm pacer Liam Plunkett are also expected to play a crucial role for England in coming matches. Plunkett’s decent performance against South Africa, hints in his consistency. Curran's hunger to make an impact will have to wait until his captain deems him fit to make his World Cup debut.
On Monday, England play the faltering Pakistanis at Trent Bridge, where the former had previously scored a record-breaking total of 481. England will be hoping to rewrite history, again.
