This Week in Cricket #200: Does a good bowling attack matter in T20s? And are Will Young & Zak Crawley on the decline?

The Top Order Cricket Podcast's #200 episode dives deep into the current state of the IPL, questioning whether a strong bowling attack still matters in T20 cricket. Hosts express disappointment with Mumbai Indians' underperformance despite high preseason expectations, while praising Rajasthan Royals' rise fueled by Suryavanchi's sensational form and a more balanced attack led by Geoffrey Archer and Nandre Burger. The discussion shifts to the dominance of quality batting, with RCB and Punjab highlighted as sides that have succeeded due to consistent middle-order contributions and explosive power-hitters. The hosts reflect on their failed predictions, with Mumbai and Travis Head being top mulligans, and acknowledge Punjab’s quiet but dominant run at the top of the table. The conversation then turns to player form, with concern expressed over Will Young’s lack of breakthroughs in Tests and Zak Crawley’s struggles in county cricket, both facing increasing competition from younger talents. The podcast also touches on New Zealand’s injury concerns, Will O'Rourke’s return, and England’s selection uncertainty ahead of the summer, with debates over whether players like Jamie Smith and Ben Duckett deserve continued trust. The episode closes on a hopeful note for Ben Stokes’ return from injury and the excitement of the upcoming English summer season.