England will not be worried of their recent form in 50-over cricket when they take on hosts Bangladesh Wednesday in the first of three one-day internationals at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium.
The English side are heading into the series after eight defeats in their last 10 games, while in contrast Bangladesh are eyeing their eighth consecutive ODI series win at home.
Based on recent numbers Bangladesh are the hot favorites.
But England all-rounder Moeen Ali said not winning many games recently doesn't matter to them given that they are still world champions.
England are the reigning champions of both the Cricket World Cup [50 overs] and Twenty20 World Cup having won the tournaments in 2019 and 2022 respectively.
“Doesn't really matter who are favorites. Bangladesh are a good team at home, we have lost eight in last 10 games but we are still the world champions. We have not been able to play our best team but now we have [Mark] Wood and Jofra [Archer] back in the side. Will Jacks is also in the team but at the end of the day it doesn't really matter who are favorites,” said Moeen to the media in the pre-match press conference in Mirpur Tuesday.
The wickets at SBNS are well known for the help it offers to the spinners and that it gives Bangladesh the advantage.
Moeen though informed that his team will keep its confidence on the fast-bowling unit in the form of Wood, Archer and Sam Curran due to its sheer quality.
“We have three spinners in the squad but it is not because we have come to play in Bangladesh. We carry our fast bowlers because of the pace they bowl at. It is tough for the opponents to play fast bowlers on these kinds of wickets too because they are not just fast bowlers but quality fast bowlers. That makes a difference,” said Moeen.
“You to accept that you will be playing good spinners when travelling the sub-continent. Bangladesh is good as a team and they have made significant progress in last few years. Not only the spinners they have quality fast bowlers too. We will have our best possible preparation. We have practiced against left-arm and right-arm spinners. We are aware of their [Bangladesh] strength. We have prepared that way.”
