England will travel to the subcontinent knowing this is their best shot at glory since 1992. Since they were beaten finalists in that tournament, the unfortunate victims of an Imran Khan inspired Pakistan side, England have seemed hellbent on never reaching that stage of Cricket’s showpiece again. Up until recently, under the Andy Flower regime, England had successfully managed their aim. Before the 2010 World Twenty20, they had been catastrophically bad in every ICC event. From World Cups to Champions Trophies, England have been pitiful for the best part of two decades.
However, this is not the same side which has flopped so remarkably time and time again. Gone are the 1990’s, when even Zimbabwe could lay claim to a higher ranking than England. Gone are the noughties, when England’s one-day side sat firmly in the stone ages as their counterparts moved into a new era. Now is the teenies, the teens or the 2010-19 years. However you want to put it. And now is all that matters. Now, England are an accomplished one-day side, a side with a World title under it’s belt and a side full of skillful cricketers who are capable of beating the best. Perhaps most importantly, they are led by Andy Flower (his importance was certainly underlined during their 3-1 Ashes triumph). Flower was once the world’s best batsmen, he can now lay claim to being the world’s best coach.
Since taking over in the aftermath of the Moores-Pietersen saga in 2009. Flower and his captain, Andrew Strauss have crafted a cohesive unit which has proven itself as a world-class side. Every aspect of the preparation for this World Cup will undoubtedly have been covered by Flower. This dedication to preparation has been seen in both the 2010 World Twenty20 and the 2010/11 Ashes series. When England won the World Twenty20, their tactics were spot on. From the blasters at the top of the order (Kieswetter and Lumb) to the varied bowling attack which had all bases covered (Broad, Sidebottom, Bresnan, Swann and Yardy). That bowling attack will be virtually the same come the start of the World Cup, the only change being Anderson for the retired Ryan Sidebottom.
It is this bowling unit which is undoubtedly England’s biggest strength. Surely there is no better or more complete attack heading to the World Cup. They have two spinners who spin the ball in opposite directions (making it harder for the batsmen to get used to) and who have different styles. Yardy will look to contain the batsman whilst Swann will play a more attacking role from the other end. This partnership could prove to be the key on the spin-friendly surfaces in the sub-continent
England’s seamers should also do very well. They have Broad who has become one of the worlds best one-day bowlers, he has immaculate control and gets uncomfortable bounce from his tall frame. Tim Bresnan proved himself as a world-class bowler in the recently concluded Ashes series and his skill and nous will be a valuable asset on the slow, unresponsive wickets England will likely encounter. Finally there is James Anderson who has matured into one of the most dangerous bowlers in world cricket. His wicket-taking ability at the start of the innings could prove crucial if England are to be successful in their bid to win their first World Cup.
The batting is more of a worry, as they have proved in the current one-day series against Australia. Their aggressive approach (something which has worked well in the past year) has got them into trouble in the first three games as they have lost too many wickets. England will stick with the same approach which inspires confidence and I’m sure their attacking approach will reap dividends in the batting friendly sub-continent conditions.
The only surprise when the World Cup squad was named was the inclusion of wicket-keeper Matt Prior. Prior has firmly established himself as the Test stopper but has struggled to cement his place in the one-day arena. Steven Davies was the incumbent and had done a decent job at the top of the order. Prior’s bolt from the blue inclusion caught many off guard and Davies will have every right to feel hard done by. Especially so after Prior recorded two ducks in a row upon his comeback.
Prior was included mainly because of the influence he has in the field for England. He has the job of getting everyone going in the field and he does this job remarkably well. His energy epitomises England’s new super energetic fielding unit and this was seen as the main reason Flower wanted him back in the team. It is also thought that Prior’s batting would be well suited to the sub-continent. Whilst that remains to be seen their is no doubting his importance to England’s fielding, both through his geeing up duties and his own personal form behind the stumps, which has improved remarkably the last year or so.
England have selected a squad which covers all bases. Every aspect of their preparation will be intensely scrutinised by Flower and nothing will be left to chance. Perhaps most crucially. England know which eleven players they want to walk out in the first game. Whilst some will write England off before they are even considered, I strongly believe England have a good chance of winning their first World Cup
England Squad: Andrew Strauss (C), Matt Prior, Jonathon Trott, Kevin Pietersen, Ian Bell, Eoin Morgan, Michael Yardy, Tim Bresnan, Graeme Swann, Stuart Broad, James Anderson, Paul Collingwood, James Tredwell, Ajmal Shahzad, Luke Wright
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