The best possible playing XI for Pakistan series against England can be cobbled together from the best available players. An orthodox team management approach will not work in such a scenario, though. The ground realities dictate a different approach to that adopted by many other teams who are either uncertain of their own XI or are indulging in one-time preparation as a show of strength.
Cricket is a great game, and the fans enjoy seeing two teams with such different philosophies vying for supremacy. One thing is sure. The game is not just about strategy, but there is a sense of obligation to follow the format of the tournament and to succeed.
There is no doubt that cricket is a very social game, and the media has played its part in furthering the popularity of the game. In terms of numbers and audience, it would be fair to say that cricket has been raised above the field of athletics. There is no doubt that cricket has become a cruel spectator sport. Cricket brings the world together.
However, the intimacy that can be generated around the game of cricket depends on the quality of cricket. Success is relative to how well-trained and experienced in the playing XI is.
No matter how good a team looks, the XI would be prone to errors. This is true irrespective of whether the opposition is English or whether their batting order includes Yorkshiremen or Nottinghamshire players. If there are a consistent approach and tactical discipline, there is a chance that the best possible XI for Pakistan series against England will emerge.
There is a danger of having a perfect team of English players and also some other internationals. While the team selection committee does have options, it must be recognized that these players are rarely selected fora tournament. The underclassmen look for opportunities at higher levels, and the senior players vie for their shot at the selection.
Professionalism rules supreme in international cricket. There is an excellent reason for this, and it has a lot to do with the health and safety concerns associated with the game. At the end of the day, the players have to worry about their own health, and if they cannot keep a lid on their emotions, the result is self-inflicted.
That is why there is a preference for training cricket tournaments over ones held on English grounds. The difference in format makes the psychological differences in team performance significant.
In fact, the best possible XI for a Cricket World Cup must be made up of players who are well-trained cricket team and are capable of making tactical decisions. It should be a team with outstanding physical fitness.
While the cricketing fraternity has witnessed the emergence of a plethora of specialists in different fields, the playing XI of a cricket world cup has to be based on the ground. Performance in various areas is expected. Those players who have developed expertise in the field should make up the best possible XI.
Based on these essential selection criteria, a team manager could produce the best possible XI for the event, and the level of confidence amongst the players can be high. The same can be achieved even without a traditional team meeting.
The right mix of experience, combined with freshness and ability, has always been the key to winning matches. Since these factors are probably missing, the next best thing would be to bring in players who have mastered all the techniques of team management and can be drawn from the best performing players for the World Cup.