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Nasser Hussain-England (Source: Twitter)
The much-awaited 2023 ODI World Cup is just a sleep away as the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad is all set to host the tournament opener on Thursday, October 5. Previous edition finalists England and New Zealand will kick off the proceedings in what is expected to be a thrilling encounter between two of the giants of world cricket.
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With 10 teams set to compete over the next month and a half, defending champions England are once again considered one of the favourites. England have a 15-man strong squad, but they will be challenged to retain the title. The tournament will be held entirely in India and the conditions are vastly different from their home conditions.
Meanwhile, former England captain Nasser Hussain opined that Jos Buttler will be the most crucial player for the English team in the upcoming World Cup. While Hussain hailed Buttler as England's greatest-ever white-ball batter, Joe Root was labelled as a vital player.
"Buttler, England’s greatest ever white-ball batter, is the key. And teams still need glue in a 50-over innings, so Joe Root’s return to form will be vital," the cricketer-turned-commentator said.
When asked about the lack of youth in the England squad, Hussain said experience is the most important factor in winning in India. Notably, most of the England players have experience playing Indian Premier League (IPL), including their skipper Buttler, and all-rounders Liam Livingstone and Sam Curran.
"They are experienced but that’s what you want in India. They are starting to move on and quite a few players will be getting towards their mid-30s by the end of this tournament. Yes, they are blessed with a lot of emerging talent with the bat but they will have to keep an eye on the bowling depth as they move forward," the 55-year-old added.
Rohit Sharma with the bat and Jasprit Bumrah with the ball: Nasser Hussain
Hussain said Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah will be the key players for India while Mitchell Marsh and Heinrich Klaasen will stand out for Australia and South Africa, respectively.
"India will go a long way so Rohit Sharma with the bat and Jasprit Bumrah with the ball. So will England, so Buttler and Rashid for them. Mitch Marsh will stand out for Australia as will South Africa’s Heinrich Klaasen, who’s such a good player of spin," he said.