The ICC Men's T20 World Cup is just 19 months after India's victory in Barbados, and it's set to be a thrilling event with teams likely to focus on scoring runs rather than bowling. As the tournament approaches, some trends and tactics worth watching include the increasing use of spin bowlers at the death overs and left-handed batsmen.
Spinners have become more prominent in T20s, accounting for 24% of balls bowled at the end of an innings last year compared to 7.68 runs per over for seamers. Afghanistan's reliance on spin is notable, as well as India's and England's use of the tactic to counter opposing teams.
The increase in batting strike rates has also been significant, with a six being hit every 17.4 deliveries across all T20s last year compared to 23.1 in 2021. This rise in scoring rates is largely attributed to fast scoring and six-hitting, which has become more prevalent since the format's inception.
Another trend worth noting is how teams are using left-handed batsmen more effectively. The percentage of deliveries bowled at left-handers has increased significantly, with India using this tactic extensively under coach Gautam Gambhir. This approach makes it harder for opposing teams to defend shorter boundaries and negates the threat of spinners.
England's opening duo of Phil Salt and Jos Buttler is set to be crucial in the tournament, given their impressive performances against South Africa and Ireland last summer. The pair have returned to form with significant strike rates and could play a key role in England's success in India and Sri Lanka.
As the tournament approaches, fans can expect an exciting event with teams focusing on scoring runs rather than bowling. With trends like spin bowlers at the death overs, left-handed batsmen, and English openers like Salt and Buttler, it promises to be an engaging competition.
Spinners have become more prominent in T20s, accounting for 24% of balls bowled at the end of an innings last year compared to 7.68 runs per over for seamers. Afghanistan's reliance on spin is notable, as well as India's and England's use of the tactic to counter opposing teams.
The increase in batting strike rates has also been significant, with a six being hit every 17.4 deliveries across all T20s last year compared to 23.1 in 2021. This rise in scoring rates is largely attributed to fast scoring and six-hitting, which has become more prevalent since the format's inception.
Another trend worth noting is how teams are using left-handed batsmen more effectively. The percentage of deliveries bowled at left-handers has increased significantly, with India using this tactic extensively under coach Gautam Gambhir. This approach makes it harder for opposing teams to defend shorter boundaries and negates the threat of spinners.
England's opening duo of Phil Salt and Jos Buttler is set to be crucial in the tournament, given their impressive performances against South Africa and Ireland last summer. The pair have returned to form with significant strike rates and could play a key role in England's success in India and Sri Lanka.
As the tournament approaches, fans can expect an exciting event with teams focusing on scoring runs rather than bowling. With trends like spin bowlers at the death overs, left-handed batsmen, and English openers like Salt and Buttler, it promises to be an engaging competition.