The English team is the perfect example of how quickly fortunes can change in the game of cricket. In the recently concluded Commonwealth Bank Series against Australia and New Zealand, England suffered a series of defeats and looked unconvincing in reaching the final against the Aussies. However, England managed to reverse their fortunes and comprehensively trounce the Aussies. Accordingly, the team heads into the World Cup as one of the hottest teams, enjoying a 4 match winning streak.
Batting
The health of captain Michael Vaughan remains a concern despite assuring all that he will be fit and ready to lead. The captain's availability will benefit the team morally more than anything else, as his career ODI batting average of 27.70 is woefully subpar for a Test batsman of his quality. England will be without Marcus Trescothick once more as he continues his time away from the side. Ian Bell, Andrew Strauss and Ed Joyce should bat at the top of the order with Kevin Pieterson, Paul Collingwood and Michael Vaughan filling out the middle order. Collingwood enters the World Cup in particulary good form on the back of successive centuries in the Commonwealth Bank Series. While many point to Andrew Flintoff as the key man in order for England's batting to fire, Kevin Pieterson is the man to watch. He carries with him an absurd batting average of 56.50 and a strike rate of 94.90 in ODIs. At just 26 years old and already so accomplished, he is without question England's future.
Bowling
With the retirement of Steve Harmison from ODI cricket, the England attack is heavily dependent on Andrew Flintoff to peg opponents back in the first 15 overs. James Anderson has shown glimpses of brilliance in the past but more often than not is inconsistent. England will rely heavily on Paul Collingwood to restrict the opponent during the middle overs. Up an coming pacer, Liam Plunkett could be a vital part of the bowling attack after an impressive showing in the Commonwealth Bank Series, having taken 12 wickets and 3 in the final against Australia. The spin department will be led by Monty Panesar. With only 9 ODI matches to his name, England will have to wait and see how he responds to ODI cricket on its grandest stage.
Squad
M Vaughan (captain), A Strauss, M Loye, K Pietersen, A Flintoff, I Bell, P Collingwood, E Joyce, J Dalrymple, P Nixon (wkt), J Anderson, C Tremlett, M Panesar, J Lewis, L Plunkett.
Coach: Duncan Fletcher
Previous World Cups: 9
World Cup Record: 31 Wins 18 Losses 1 No Result
Best World Cup Finish: Runners-up, 1979, 1987.
Outlook:
Prior to the Commonwealth Bank Series, an English victory in the World Cup would have been laughable. However, 2 resounding victories over the two-time defending champs and 4 wins on the trot changes the outlook significantly. England will also remember making the final of the ICC Champions Trophy in 2004, and draw inspiration from that. Grouped with Canada, Kenya and New Zealand, the English must fancy their chances of winning group C. The outlook after that will be hard to predict as one never knows which England side will show up. Regardless, the prospects for the side are infinitely brighter than they were two months ago.
Group Matches (Group C)
Fri March 16 - New Zealand
Sun March 18 - Canada
Sat March 24 - Kenya
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