The England Men’s Cricket Team has had an eventful 2024 so far, with matches spanning multiple formats, including Tests, ODIs, and T20s. With some notable victories and challenges along the way, let’s look at how the team has performed so far in 2024, the players who have stood out, and key talking points around team selection.
Test Matches in India (January - March 2024)
England began the year with a tough five-Test series in India, one of the most challenging tours for any visiting side. England managed to secure a win in the first Test at Hyderabad, taking a 1-0 lead. However, India bounced back strongly, winning the next two Tests convincingly. Despite some heroic efforts from captain Ben Stokes and Harry Brook, who emerged as a standout player, England struggled with the spin-friendly conditions and eventually lost the series 3-2. Brook’s impressive centuries in Hyderabad and Rajkot solidified his place as a rising star in the Test squad.
T20 World Cup (June 2024)
England headed into the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in the West Indies as one of the favourites. Grouped with Australia, Scotland, Oman, and Namibia, England started strong with solid wins against Oman and Scotland. However, a closely contested match against Australia ended in defeat, and the team narrowly missed out on a semi-final spot after another upset loss to Namibia. Jos Buttler and Liam Livingstone were key performers, with Buttler continuing his fine form as one of the world’s best white-ball captains. The team’s early exit raised questions about the balance of the squad and selection choices, particularly in the bowling department.
Test Series at Home to West Indies and Sri Lanka (July - September 2024)
England’s home summer saw Ben Stokes’s Test side bounce back with back-to-back Test series wins. England comfortably overcame the West Indies 2-1, with James Anderson leading the bowling attack brilliantly despite being in the twilight of his career. The team then faced Sri Lanka in a three-Test series, which they also won 2-1. Ollie Pope and Zak Crawley stood out with the bat, while spinner Jack Leach proved crucial in the later stages of the summer, especially in the turning conditions at Old Trafford and The Oval.
ODI and T20 Series vs. Australia (September 2024)
In September, England faced arch-rivals Australia in a thrilling limited-overs series. England’s ODI team managed to secure a 3-2 victory, showcasing their depth in white-ball cricket. However, the T20 series didn’t go in their favour, with Australia clinching the series 2-1. Key performances from Sam Curran in the bowling department and a masterful century from Jonny Bairstow in the second ODI were highlights of the series. However, the T20 defeat reignited discussions about England’s approach to the shorter format ahead of future global tournaments.
Standout Performers of 2024
- Harry Brook: Brook’s performances in both red and white-ball formats have made him one of England’s most exciting prospects. His ability to handle pressure and play aggressive cricket across formats has been crucial for the team.
- Ben Stokes: As Test captain, Stokes continues to lead from the front with his all-round contributions. Despite some ups and downs, his leadership and fighting spirit were evident throughout the year.
- Sam Curran: Curran has been a standout in the white-ball formats, proving himself as one of the best all-rounders in the world. His ability to deliver under pressure with both bat and ball has been vital for England in 2024.
Team Selection
There have been some key talking points regarding England’s team selection throughout the year. Questions have been raised about the reliance on senior bowlers like James Anderson and Stuart Broad in Test cricket, while younger options such as Reece Topley and Matt Potts continue to wait for more regular opportunities. In white-ball cricket, the balance between youth and experience remains a topic of debate, particularly after the team’s early exit from the T20 World Cup.
Looking Ahead
With the year still ongoing, England has some crucial fixtures remaining, including an ODI and T20 series against the West Indies later in 2024. The team will look to regroup and prepare for a challenging 2025, with marquee series such as the Ashes and tours to the subcontinent on the horizon.
Back to all blog posts
