sport news Buckle up for a T20 World Cup 'SLUGFEST'! Rob Key readies England's batsmen for ... trends now
Rob Key has primed England's T20 batsmen to get ready for a World Cup 'slugfest' when they arrive in the Caribbean to defend their title in June.
Six-hitting has gone through the roof at the IPL, with players emboldened by the impact sub rule which allows teams to lengthen their batting line-up should circumstances demand.
And while the World Cup, which is being jointly held with the USA and gets under way in Dallas, Texas, on June 2, will revert to an 11-against-11 format, cricket's power-hitters are unlikely to take a backward step.
England also have fresh memories of their five-match T20 trip to the Caribbean before Christmas.
It produced 120 sixes, a world record for a 20-over series, with West Indies outhitting them by 64 to 56 - of which opener Phil Salt alone managed 22 - and running out 3-2 victors.
Phil Salt smashes a six during England's T20 series in the West Indies just before Christmas
Jonny Bairstow is one of several clean ball strikers in the England T20 batting line-up
England managing director Rob Key has told the batsmen to prepare for a World Cup 'slugfest'
Key, the ECB's managing director of men's cricket, explained that the inclusion in the provisional 15-man squad of the 35-year-old Chris Jordan was partly driven by his recent batting exploits in franchise tournaments, which he hopes will give Jos Buttler's side the depth to encourage the top order to go for broke.
'His
