England is never a very strong cricket team for winning a major tournament .But they are also not a team not to take into account. Thrice in the past they were bride mates in the party of World Cup final. But three times they were pepped for the post – first by legendary West Indian team in 1979, then by strong Australia in 1987 and third time by Imran Khan’s cornered tigers at historic MCG in 1992. England is yet to win an ICC Cricket World Cup title.
There have been 10 World Cup tournaments held since it was launched in England in 1975. Australia won four times, West India and India twice, Pakistan and Sri Lanka once each. Despite coming runners up in 1979, 1987 and 1992, English players did not have a touch of the cup. With a large ex-pat population in both Australia and New Zealand and the vocal support of the traveling ‘Barmy Army’, cricket world can expect the English to bring strong support to make history in 2015.
Eoin Morgan, the aggressive experienced left-handed batsman, will lead the English team in the ensuing World Cup down under. The squad is take part in a tri-series in Australia ahead of the mega-event. In the World Cup, England will take on traditional rivals, Australia, in their first game on February 16 at Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).
England Squad:
Eoin Morgan, Stuart Broad, Ravi Bopara, Joe Root, James Tredwell, ,James Anderson, Ian Ronald Bell, Gary Balance, Steven Thomas Finn, Chris Woakes, Moeen Ali, Alex Hales, Jos Buttler, Chris Jordan and James Taylor
Ian Bell and Gary Ballance have found a place in the squad. However, Ben Stokes, the Durham all-rounder, and Harry Gurney, the Nottinghamshire pacer, haven't been included. England will depend on their able pace duo of James Anderson and Stuart Broad to fire on all cylinders on quick tracks of Australia. In the batting department, Moeen Ali, James Taylor and Joe Root will be expected to perform. Earlier, Alastair Cook, who has been England's ODI captain since 2011 was dropped from the set-up.
If we compare the team with Australia, India, South Africa or even West Indies there are only one or two players who can be discussed in the same vein as Virat Kohli, Mitchel Johnson, and Chris Gayle but there are many above average utility players who have capabilities to take England deep into the tournament.
The senior professional Ian Bell appears to be in sizzling form as he scored a huge hundred 187 in a match against Australian Prime Minister’s XI at Canberra. He is expected to shoulder the major responsibility of batting as English selectors excluded experienced Alastair Cook from the touring party. Mooen Ali, James Taylor, Garry Balance and Joe Root will form a quality batting unit. Eoin Morgan, Joe Butler and Ravi Bopara in late middle order are also more than useful players and dynamic operators. They may not be as flamboyant or aggressive unit like the South Africans, Indians or Australians but they must not be ignored for their sheer technical finesse and professional aptitude. How they adjust to Australia New Zealand condition is a matter to wait and see. The Tri series leading to the mega event will be a great opportunity for England for trying and forming their best combination. English bowling on fast bouncy surfaces is better balanced. Anderson is still one of the top ranked ODI bowlers and his partner Stuart Broad is a match winner. Tall Steven Finn will get plenty of assistance from Australian wickets. Chris Woakes, Chris Jordan are also effective ODI bowlers. Bopara also bowls well in small spells and gets breakthroughs. Moeen Ali and Trend well are slow bowling options that have reasonable experience of bowling tight length and line for restricting opponents.
England is grouped with hosts Australia and New Zealand. Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Scotland make the group. It will not be easy to put the English nose in front of Australia and New Zealand in their home conditions. Sri Lanka is also a strong team and well balanced. England may also be challenged by a very youthful Bangladesh team. In 2011 Bangladesh beat them in Chittagong. The task of the English team to advance from the group may not be straight forward as it appears.
But as far as the team composition, chemistry are concerned they should at least move up to semifinal.
BDST: 1012 HRS, JAN 15, 2015
