Will Jacks tipped to improve after starring for England at T20 World Cup
England all-rounder Will Jacks has been backed to reach even greater heights by his domestic coach after equalling a tournament record at the T20 World Cup.
The Surrey star has been instrumental in England’s campaign, collecting four Player of the Match awards.
That feat equals the record for a single edition of the tournament set by Australia’s Shane Watson in 2012.
Despite the accolades, Surrey head coach Gareth Batty insists he is not surprised by the impact his player has made on the world stage.
‘This era’s equivalent of Moeen Ali’
Batty’s belief in the off-spinner dates back four years to when he made the decision to name him as the county’s primary spinner.
The coach drew comparisons at the time between Jacks and Moeen Ali, a parallel that has resurfaced following the 25-year-old’s recent international displays.
I’ve seen it for years, it’s not a surprise in any way. He’s a winner, he’s very competitive and I think he’s an all-format player.
Gareth Batty, Surrey Head Coach
Batty believes the all-rounder is currently navigating a trajectory that could see him emulate one of England’s most versatile white-ball cricketers.
He’s getting more of the limelight now in the shorter format, but if he can keep growing and learning from his experiences… I said it in 2022, I think he is this era’s equivalent of Moeen Ali.
Hopefully he can go on beyond what Moeen achieved – and I don’t mean that disrespectfully to Moeen and I certainly don’t mean it disrespectfully that Jacksy is not quite Moeen. He’s an evolving spinner.
Adapting to a new role
Jacks has had to adjust his game significantly to fit into the national side’s tactical setup.
While accustomed to opening the batting domestically, the clean-striker has been deployed at number seven to provide finishing power.
I suppose the super impressive part of it is his trade is opening the batting.
Batty highlighted that the transition demonstrates the player’s elite mindset and technical ability.
For him to adapt to the role of finisher is not a surprise because of his skillset and the way he strikes a ball but it’s impressive to put that marker down and really make that role his own.
The former England spinner also praised Jacks’ bowling consistency under pressure.
His stock ball is also very good. If he just runs up and bowls and doesn’t try anything technical, no pressure, he’s as good as most spinners around the world.
