"The Bazball system could have only been enabled by playing a long batting lineup" - Aakash Chopra on England heading into Sri Lanka clash

Aakash Chopra reckons England can follow their usual aggressive approach with the bat only if they have enough depth in the batting.

Jos Buttler and Co. lock horns with Sri Lanka in a 2023 World Cup clash in Bengaluru on Thursday, October 26. The defending champions are eighth in the points table and need to beat the Lankan Lions to bring their campaign back on track.

Previewing the game in a video shared on his YouTube channel, Chopra said that England might have to reconsider the selection approach they adopted in their last match. He explained (6:05):

"Will England change the goalpost that they changed in the last match because they dropped all the all-rounders?

"You played none among Moeen Ali, Liam Livingstone, Chris Woakes and Sam Curran. You said you don't need any all-rounder and will go with a specialist team."

The former India opener added:

"The Bazball system could have only been enabled by playing a long batting lineup. When you decide that you don't need that much batting, that you will go with proper bowlers and batters, you are unable to play with that much freedom. So I am very curious to watch what England will do."

England made three changes for their last game against South Africa, bringing in Ben Stokes, David Willey and Gus Atkinson for Liam Livingstone, Chris Woakes and Sam Curran.

The move backfired, though, as they were bundled out for 170 while chasing a 400-run target.

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"You should bat first if you win the toss" - Aakash Chopra on England's chasing issues

England failed to chase down a 285-run target against Afghanistan. (P/C: AP)

Aakash Chopra urged Jos Buttler to bat first if he wins the toss. He elaborated (6:45):

"Secondly, I feel you should bat first if you win the toss. South Africa hit you a lot and you couldn't chase against Afghanistan as well.

'So don't chase, bat first. You can score 350 runs because Sri Lanka didn't have Dushmantha Chameera and Wanindu Hasaranga, and, now, they don't have Matheesha Pathirana as well."

The cricketer-turned-commentator reckons Sri Lanka's depleted attack is unlikely to pose too many threats for the England batters:

"The team is looking slightly weak. Dilshan Madushanka, Kasun Rajitha and Maheesh Theekshana are there, but it's not the same kind of attack that will trouble you a lot. So come out all guns blazing this time."

Chopra pointed out that Australia's campaign came back on track after a win against Sri Lanka and England will also hope for the same. He concluded by predicting an England win in Thursday's game.