Cricket World Cup 2023: Worst XI of the League Round

The amazing league round of the Cricket World Cup 2023 concluded with the hosts India ending on the top of the points table with nine off nine wins and qualifying for the knockout stage comfortably. Along with the Men in Blue, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand also played quality cricket in the round-robin stage and advanced to the semi-finals.

Pakistan, whose record is superb in Indian conditions, won only four out of their nine contests and ended up in the fifth spot, which forced them to return home. England looked miserable throughout the competition and failed to defend the title. Sri Lanka looked completely out of colour and concluded their journey with only two wins in nine matches. 

The 1996 champions’ also failed to qualify for the Champions Trophy 2025 to be held in Pakistan, ending up in the ninth position in this tournament. Bangladesh, who have been playing ODI cricket since 1986, also put up a disappointing show for their fans, accumulating only two victories. In the dismal performances of these sides, their eminent players failed to display their best. Noting their unexceptional performances, it's time to have a look at the worst XI of the league round.

Here is the worst XI of the league round:

1. Jonny Bairstow 

cJonny Bairstow struggled to be among the runs in this competition, amassing only 215 runs in nine matches at a dismal average of 23.88. Noting his stature, the England team management was expecting brilliant numbers from his bat, but he failed to justify his role in the side. England recorded their heaviest defeat against South Africa at the Wankhede Stadium, registering a 229-run loss. Bairstow, whose responsibility was to deliver a fierce start to his team along with his opening partner Dawid Malan, fell early to Lungi Ngidi after scoring only 10 off 12.  

After losing to India in Lucknow, England’s chances for the knockouts were almost ended. Against Australia, he was expected to play freely and deliver a solid knock to his team. At the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium, in Ahmedabad, the English side fell 33 runs short while chasing 287 and Bairstow went back to the pavilion with a duck on the first delivery.