England's Cricket World Cup squad: Reece Topley reveals all about each player from Ben Stokes to Jos Buttler

Summary

England to play in Men's Cricket World Cup in India
Jos Buttler's side will aim to defend trophy they won by beating New Zealand in 2019
Commentary on every game, plus in-play clips and text updates on BBC Sport website & app
All stats correct as of 29 September

Live Reporting

Callum Matthews and Matthew Henry

England head to India for title defencepublished at 12:24 British Summer Time 4 October 2023
Image source, Getty Images/BBC Sport
The Men's Cricket World Cup in India gets under way on 5 October with England looking to defend their crown that they dramatically won against New Zealand at Lord's in 2019.
It was a final that will be etched in English cricket history forever after Eoin Morgan's side beat the Kiwis on boundary countback after a tied match and super over.
Eight of that squad are travelling to India to try and retain the trophy, but England are now led by Jos Buttler after Morgan's retirement in 2022.
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Cricket World Cup: England beat New Zealand in amazing 2019 final
England start their campaign against New Zealand on the opening day. They play the other eight sides in the group stage before 12 November, with the knockouts culminating in the final on 19 November.
BBC Sport has teamed up with pace bowler Reece Topley to give you an insight into the England squad.
We'll start with captain Jos Buttler, before going through the other 14 players in the sort of order you'd see them bat in a game.
Jos Buttlerpublished at 12:24 British Summer Time 4 October 2023
Age: 33 | Born: Somerset | Role: Captain, wicketkeeper & middle-order batter
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Jos Buttler is one of cricket's all-time white-ball greats, and is widely considered as England's greatest short-format player.
Buttler has been an integral part of England's white-ball revolution after a group-stage exit at the 2015 World Cup with his fearless and attacking approach fitting perfectly with the ethos of captain Eoin Morgan, and then carried on by Buttler when he became captain in June 2022.
The right-hander is a double World Cup winner after playing throughout the 50-over success in 2019, including competing the run out in the super over that won England the trophy, before captaining the T20 side to glory last November.
Buttler, who was the first England men's player to score centuries in all three formats, will be used in the middle order throughout this tournament and has the ability to hit big from the get go or patiently build an innings if England are in trouble.
He can hit all round the ground, and look out for his trademark ramp shots. He is also a regular in the Indian Premier League with Rajasthan Royals so he should adjust to conditions quickly.
Buttler is still developing as a captain but expect him to take the positive and aggressive option wherever he can in the field. He should also be tidy behind the stumps, and is capable of taking a spectacular catch, or completing a brilliant run out.
The winner and record-breakerpublished at 12:24 British Summer Time 4 October 2023
Jos Buttler in three pictures
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Jos Buttler's one-day international debut came on 21 February 2012, but he was dismissed for a two-ball duck by Pakistan spinner Saeed Ajmal. Buttler's T20 debut came in 2011, with a Test appearance following in 2014.
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Buttler played every game of England's 2019 World Cup success, scoring 312 runs, at an average of 34.66. He batted in the super over during the final win over New Zealand, but his most memorable moment is completing the run out of Martin Guptill off the final ball to ensure that England won on boundary countback.
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Buttler became the first England men's player to hit a century in all three formats when he reached the landmark against Sri Lanka at the T20 World Cup in 2021. Women's captain Heather Knight had already done it, and Dawid Malan has since joined the list. Buttler's success in T20 cricket continued when he led England to the title in Australia in 2022.
'A very good sportsman'published at 12:24 British Summer Time 4 October 2023
Reece Topley
England fast bowler on Jos Buttler
Jos is a superstar.
He is always really calm in the pressure situations. I know that from being at the top of my mark when a side is chasing a score against us and we have a pretty easy discussion about our plans. It is almost like you can't tell the situation of the game and whether we're on top or behind. That is a huge attribute to have as a captain because he can instil calmness in people.
He loves golf. He is a very good sportsman.
He's got all of the lads following his wife's pilates programme. When the captain tells you to do pilates, you do it. Especially when his wife is running the session! We've got to keep them both happy to stay in the side.
He lives in the same area as me, so he's obviously got good taste!
Him becoming captain was a seamless transition. Under Morgs, Jos had captained maybe 10-15 times and it was a pretty easy routine when he took over, it was more of the same.
Jonny Bairstowpublished at 12:02 British Summer Time 4 October 2023
Age: 34 | Born: Bradford | Role: Opener
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Jonny Bairstow is looking to become a double World Cup winner.
The opener hit 532 runs in 2019 as England won on home soil, and he will likely play a pivotal role in any success.
He missed out on last winter's T20 World Cup in Australia because of a broken leg sustained playing golf.
Bairstow had to wait for an opportunity to properly break into England's white-ball teams - going almost three years without playing an ODI between September 2012 and May 2015 - but has become an integral part of both sides.
The right-hander will be expected to get England off to fast starts at the top of the order, and will be particularly dangerous against spin if he stays in.
Bairstow is also an exceptional fielder and may win England a game with a catch or piece of fielding.
He will act as England's reserve keeper during the tournament in case Jos Buttler suffers an injury or is rested.
The destructorpublished at 12:02 British Summer Time 4 October 2023
Jonny Bairstow in three pictures
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Jonny Bairstow made his England debut against India in a one-day international in Cardiff in September 2011. A T20 cap followed later that month before Test honours the following summer. The right-hander became a regular in red-ball cricket and played a fair bit of T20 cricket but 50-over appearances were harder to come by for the Yorkshireman.
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That was until June 2015 when Bairstow made an unbeaten match-winning 83 in the fifth and final one-day international against New Zealand at Chester-le-Street to help England win the series. From there on in Bairstow has been a regular for England in 50-over cricket, with a move to the top of the order consolidating his place.
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The shift to the top of the order has seen Bairstow act as an aggressor from ball one, taking apart bowling attacks at will. He was a key part of England's World Cup success in 2019, scoring 532 runs. He hit back-to-back centuries in must-win games at the end of the group stage against India and New Zealand. He scored 36 in the final against the Kiwis.
'A fiery character'published at 12:02 British Summer Time 4 October 2023
Reece Topley
England fast bowler on Jonny Bairstow
Jonny is a passionate Yorkshireman. He's quite fiery. He is someone that the opposition won't want to pick a battle with.
He has recently become a father and touring and cricket might have a slightly different perspective for him now he's got a family.
He is a massively talented player and he's set the tone for us for so many years at the top of the order now. He'll try and take the attack to the opposition.
He'll be following the Rugby World Cup while we're out in India, like myself. He loves rugby. He's got quite a few friends in that universe.
Dawid Malanpublished at 11:58 British Summer Time 4 October 2023
Age: 36 | Born: Roehampton | Role: Top-order batter
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Dawid Malan has had to wait for opportunities in 50-over international cricket due to England's plethora of talent but he is now grabbing them with both hands.
The left-hander is often much maligned by supporters because of a perceived lower strike-rate compared to some of England's options, but it is hard to argue with Malan's numbers.
Only two batters in world cricket have reached five centuries in ODI cricket quicker than Malan's 21 games, while he is the joint fourth-fastest to reach 1,000 runs in the format.
Malan was part of the side that won the T20 World Cup last winter and fought off competition to earn his place in this squad.
His name was mentioned as someone who may drop out of the provisional squad for Harry Brook but his fine form (277 runs in three innings) against New Zealand saw him consolidate a spot at the top of the order.
Malan is particularly good on the short ball but also possesses an exquisite cover drive.
- 'That gets me in the fight' - Malan on proving doubters wrong
Mr Consistentpublished at 11:57 British Summer Time 4 October 2023
Dawid Malan in three pictures
Image source, Getty Images
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Dawid Malan made his Test and T20 debuts but had to wait until 2019 and a pre-World Cup match in Ireland to make his ODI debut, where he was presented his cap by Rob Key. The left-hander has found opportunities slightly easier to come by in the last four-year cycle as England often rotate their players. That has seen him grasp his chance and earn a place in the squad.
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In June 2022 Malan became the second England men's player to score a century in all three formats when he reached the landmark against the Netherlands. He has since gone on to make four more. His one and only Test ton came against Australia in Perth in 2017 and his sole T20 century was against New Zealand in Napier in 2017.
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Malan's form over the last year - and those five centuries - has seen him oust Jason Roy at the top of the order and become a certainty to play in the XI. He'll provide a balance to the naturally aggressive Jonny Bairstow with Malan more likely to build an innings gradually and catch up his strike-rate.
'He's never not getting his calves rubbed'published at 11:57 British Summer Time 4 October 2023
Reece Topley
England fast bowler on Dawid Malan
Dawid is one of the veterans in the side. He's got a cooler head than most.
He is a late comer in terms of getting into the side but I'm sure he'll be called upon at some stage in this tournament and his tempo and calmness will be invaluable. Things won't always go our way. It is great to have someone cool, calm and collected like Mala.
He is quiet and calm off the pitch. You often just find him on the physio bed having his calves rubbed. He's never not having his calves rubbed for some reason. I think he enjoys it a little bit too much, possibly.
Quickfire questions with Dawid Malanpublished at 11:56 British Summer Time 4 October 2023
What would your walkout song be?
Nothing, just boring. Just get out there, I’m not interested in that stuff when I play cricket.
What would your death row meal be?
Probably a Nando’s or something.
What is your favourite film?
Gosh. I get asked these questions all of the time but I never know what they are. I would say The Patriot.
Who is your sporting hero?
I’d say Tiger Woods.
What is your dream holiday destination?
Maldives.
If you were having a dinner party, who would your three dream guests be (dead or alive)?
Definitely have Tiger, would love to sit and have a chat with him. I’d probably stick with Tiger, just him by himself would be fantastic entertainment.
Joe Rootpublished at 11:56 British Summer Time 4 October 2023
Age: 32 | Born: Sheffield | Role: Top-order batter
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Across all formats of the game, former Test captain Joe Root is one of England's best ever players.
He is their second-highest Test and ODI run-scorer - and 10th of all-time on the Test list.
Regarded as one of the great batters of his generation, Root, who was England's highest run-scorer in their 2019 World Cup-winning squad, accumulates runs with an effortless ease and often ticks along at a scoring rate far higher than you think.
He is an exquisite timer of the ball and is extremely strong through the off side.
The right-hander is also very good against spin and is likely to play a key role with the bat if England are to go far in the tournament.
However, he has struggled for form in the build-up, only scoring 34 runs in four innings against New Zealand.
Root is also an exceptional catcher, and has a knack of breaking partnerships with his off-spin. We haven't seen that as much in white-ball cricket because Root has scarcely played 50-over cricket in recent years but it may be shown to good effect in this tournament.
Mr Prolificpublished at 11:56 British Summer Time 4 October 2023
Joe Root in three pictures
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Joe Root made his first appearance in a Test against India in December 2012, with a first T20 appearance coming later that month. His maiden ODI cap came on the same tour in January, with Root then becoming a regular in the side as England reached the final of the 2013 Champions Trophy in England that summer. Root has been a consistent figure in the side since, but has played less 50-over cricket in recent years as England managed his workload while he was Test captain.
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Root's highest one-day international score is 133 not out against Bangladesh during a Champions Trophy match at The Oval. It is one of 16 centuries he's hit in the format. Root's highest score in international cricket is 254 in Test cricket, where he has 30 centuries.
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Root was an integral part of England's 2019 World Cup winning team, scoring 556 runs, at an average of 61.77. He hit two centuries as he finished fifth on the top run-scorer list across the tournament.
'Always has an instrument on tour'published at 11:55 British Summer Time 4 October 2023
Reece Topley
England fast bowler on Joe Root
Rooty is still the picture boy of English cricket really.
He is a quality player of spin, probably one of the best of the world, so hopefully when conditions dictate it he'll steer us towards a decent total.
Whenever I've toured with him he always has an instrument with him or something musical. I don't know if he has it with him this time. It's a good thing, he's good! It's usually a guitar or ukulele.
I don't really see him too much away from training to be honest, but he's a quality player and he's great to have around because he has massive experience.
He is another calm head to be honest. It is good because there are some lads that are care-free when they play and that is exciting, but there's a nice balance of good temperament with Joe and Dawid Malan.
Ben Stokespublished at 11:55 British Summer Time 4 October 2023
Age: 32 | Born: Christchurch, New Zealand | Role: Middle-order batter
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Ben Stokes needs no introduction, surely?
He is the current Test captain and has led an England side that are reinvigorating the longest form of the game.
Stokes has made a career out of match-winning knocks and standing up in the big pressure moments.
The left-hander made 84 not out in the 2019 50-over World Cup and then eight off the super over as England dramatically edged out New Zealand. He then hit a match-winning, unbeaten 52 in the 2022 T20 World Cup final as England beat Pakistan.
There have also been incredible Ashes innings at Headingley in 2019 and Lord's in 2023 too.
Stokes retired from 50-over cricket in July 2022 to manage his workload but has returned for this tournament. The all-rounder is managing a long-standing left knee issue so expect him to be used purely as a batter, rather than with the ball in hand during this tournament.
Still look out for him in the field - he is more than capable of pulling off a spectacular catch or run out.
The man for the big occasionpublished at 11:54 British Summer Time 4 October 2023
Ben Stokes in three pictures
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Ben Stokes' one-day international debut came against Ireland in Dublin in 2011. A first T20 appearance came against West Indies later that summer, before making his Test debut on an Ashes tour of Australia in 2013.
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Stokes has often been the man for the big occasion for England over the past four or five years and the 2019 World Cup final against New Zealand was where it all started. He came in with England 71-3 off 19.3 overs, chasing 242 to win, and saw regular wickets fall around him. Stokes took it upon himself to try and win England the title, hitting big leg-side sixes and running hard for twos. He was caught on the boundary but Trent Boult stepped on the sponge, while there was also a lucky deflection off his bat as he dived home for a second run that brought England a boundary. The game ended in a tie when Mark Wood was run out off the last ball as England tried to get back for two. Stokes then batted in the super over, with England ultimately winning the title on boundary countback. Fast forward three years and Stokes was again the match-winner in the 2022 T20 World Cup against Pakistan in Australia.
Image source, Getty Images
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Stokes retired from one-day international cricket in July 2022 saying playing three formats was "unsustainable" and that players "were not cars". It was a decision he reiterated at the end of the Ashes in July 2023 as he planned to use the time to solve a longstanding issue with his left knee. However a few weeks later Stokes was named in England's squad for the World Cup. He played in the warm-up series against New Zealand and in the third game at The Oval made England's highest one-day international score in smashing 182. It was also his fastest ODI century.
'He has got time for everyone'published at 11:54 British Summer Time 4 October 2023
Reece Topley
England fast bowler on Ben Stokes
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Best shots of Stokes' record-breaking 182
It feels like everyone knows Stokesy in a way!
Even though he won't be bowling in this tournament we know he can offer us so much in the field and with the bat. We saw that with his 182 at The Oval! That showed that he still knows how to play this format to a tee. He makes any side in the world better.
He is amazing off the pitch too. What people don't realise about Ben Stokes, the superstar, is that he is so personable away from the field. He has got time for everyone.
He is quite smart as a cricketer as well. He's got so much talent but his smarts and his cricket brain is second to none. That is why he's done so well as Test captain.
Touring with him is very different to when he first started. He is almost a different bloke. It is good but there aren't as many good stories to tell everyone!
I was with him in the 2016 World Cup [when Carlos Brathwaite hit four successive sixes off Stokes to win West Indies the T20 tournament] and I remember I was changing next to him, and then equally I've been around for some of the highs. It has been interesting to see the inside of how he has grown mentally through those times. Those experiences can make or break someone and he's come through the other side.
He's got some amazing moments in an England shirt that will live with everyone for the rest of their lives.
He is part of the keen golf crew. He is also a massive gamer - four of us have our consoles out here, he is one alongside me, Liam Livingstone and Gus Atkinson. Stokesy and Livi play a lot of Call of Duty, and they say they win a lot, but I'm not there to provide evidence!
Harry Brookpublished at 11:52 British Summer Time 4 October 2023
Age: 24 | Born: Keighley | Role: Middle-order batter
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Harry Brook is widely considered one of the best young batters in world cricket.
The right-hander has shone in international cricket since making his debut in January 2022 and has become a fearsome opponent for bowling attacks all over the world.
Known best for his power, and ability to hit 360 degrees, Brook latches onto length particularly well and can cannon the ball into the leg-side boundary.
Brook scored a record 809 runs in his first nine innings in Test cricket and has continued to impress during this summer's Ashes and in T20 cricket.
He was a part of the T20 World Cup-winning side last winter, and despite only playing six one-day internationals has forced his way into the squad for England's 50-over defence too.
He was originally left out of the provisional squad, but the form of Dawid Malan saw Brook oust Jason Roy out of the 15-man squad due to his versatility in being able to bat anywhere in the top six.
The rising starpublished at 11:52 British Summer Time 4 October 2023
Harry Brook in three pictures
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Harry Brook has risen to prominence in the past 18 months. He made his T20 debut in January 2022, before a maiden Test appearance came against South Africa at The Oval. He was given his cap by fellow Yorkshire player Joe Root (pictured above) and has enjoyed incredible success in the red-ball format.
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Brook was part of the England squad that won the T20 World Cup in Australia last winter. It was his first major tournament and he was a regular in England's middle order. It was a difficult tournament though with the right-hander scoring just 56 runs in five innings.
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Brook has found opportunities hard to come by in 50-over cricket, and when they have arrived, he has failed to grasp them fully. He has one half-century in six games, but did find himself opening in games against New Zealand, which is not his usual position. In his brief international career he has shown an ability to change the game quickly and that could be a key asset for England in this World Cup.
'A massive joker'published at 11:52 British Summer Time 4 October 2023
Reece Topley
England fast bowler on Harry Brook
Brooky is another proud Yorkshireman. I struggle to understand him more than Mark Wood!
He is a massive joker. If we were to win he'd have two beers and be finished. He is a bit of a lightweight. He's a great lad, though.
He loves golf, he is literally nuts about it. During the warm-up game against India, which was abandoned, he was one of the lads glued to the TVs trying to watch the Ryder Cup. The weather was so bad though that the signal kept cutting in and out. A lot of people were annoyed about that!
I played with him at the Northern Superchargers in The Hundred recently and I saw that century and the sort of form that he is in.
He is a young guy and he'll get a chance in this World Cup. Everyone knows what he can do but it is up to him now to do it in a World Cup where chances are limited and you are judged on the outcome. He's got a huge future in the game.