England World Cup Squad part 1
England is the only team to have made it to the World Cup finals three times and still not win even once. They were beaten by http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755 in 1992. This time, though, they are making serious claims of making their
mark in the World Cup, and, given the way they performed in the T-20 World Cup last year, they sure do stand a good chance in the 50 over format. The English team, at present, is believed to be the best in a very long time, and pundits say that this may be
their best shot at winning the ultimate prize.
Andrew Strauss, who must still be on the high of his 2nd Ashes win as a captain, has been retained as captain for the World Cup. The left handed opening batsman has taken to the role very well. Ever since Pietersen's short stint
as captain came to an abrupt end, he has been the one holding the team together. Now, with 2 Ashes under his belt, he has established himself in English cricket history, and would be looking to make more history by taking England through their first successful
World Cup campaign.
There are a number of candidates in the team to open the batting alongside the captain. Matt Prior, the wicketkeeper batsman, may be a good choice; he has made a comeback in the ODI team after being dropped for the ODIs against Australia. His inclusion did
come as a surprise after Steve Davies was preferred over him for the series against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746, but his performances in the Ashes were probably what got him the nod. Prior is an attacking batsman and has opened for England in the past. If he can get England
off to a quick start in the Subcontinent, there is enough depth in the middle order to make optimum use of it.
Kevin Pietersen is, by far, the most important batsman for England, in all 3 formats of the game. The tall right hander has the ‘X’ factor about him, and can really turn the tables in tough situations. Pietersen's is always a prized wicket
for any opposition, and after being named player of the tournament in the World Cup T-20, he would be looking to have a similar effect on the 50 over format. He can also bowl slow off-spinners in the middle of the innings when needed, and does have a reputation
of being able to break stubborn partnerships.
Eoin Morgan is the man who, in absence of Pietersen, became the most dependable player in England middle order. The left hander, who started his career with http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Ireland-c751, has the potential of being a match winner. He has fantastic composure,
and the left hander comes into his own when the team is chasing big targets- especially when he needs to bat with the tail-enders. Morgan will definitely be one of the most important players for England in the World Cup.
Ian Bell is another man who can open the batting alongside Strauss. The right hander has done it before and been successful to some degree. Bell is one of the most orthodox and traditional players in the team. He prefers to play straight bat shots and thrives
on conventional stroke-play. Bell has been a consistent performer in the Test arena. However his One Day pedigree still has a lot to be desired.
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