T20 World Cup 2021: Aakash Chopra picks Jason Roy’s replacement ahead of semi-final clash against New Zealand


T20 World Cup 2021: Aakash Chopra picks Jason Roy’s replacement ahead of semi-final clash against New Zealand

Aakash Chopra and Jason Roy

England and New Zealand are set to face each other in the all-important first semi-final match of the 2021 ICC T20 World Cup on Wednesday. Meanwhile, former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has suggested a few changes in the English side.

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Eoin Morgan and Co will have to necessarily make a change to their playing XI as opener Jason Roy has been ruled out of the tournament. The ‘Three Lions’ have named James Vince as the replacement of the flamboyant batter.

In a recent video uploaded on his YouTube channel, the cricketer-turned-commentator opined that England should bring Sam Billings in the side ahead of Vince.

“I see just one forced change in the England lineup. They should bring in Sam Billings and open with Bairstow. I am not saying James Vince should be played in the XI because Billings has been sitting out for a long time. He is a damn good player.

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“So play Billings in the team, there is no other scope of change in the team. You can leave Dawid Malan at No. 3. You try to make as few changes as possible, especially at the last moment,” Chopra stated.

“England is a very fine well-oiled unit” – Aakash Chopra

T20 World Cup
Team England

The 44-year-old further went on to highlight that the 2016 T20 WC semi-finalists have an all-round side with all the bases covered. Chopra concluded the chat while showering light on the ‘attacking’ brand of cricket with which England plays irrespective of the situation.

“Mark Wood, Chris Jordan and Chris Woakes will be your three fast bowlers. You have two spinners in Moeen Ali and Rashid. Liam Livingstone can also bowl. So, this is a very very fine well-oiled unit.

“What works in England’s favour, which all of us should learn from them, is that they play with a philosophy. They play with a brand, whether it is the first match or the last, knockout or final, it does not make a difference,” he signed off.

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