England’s mental strength to be tested in the ICC World Cup 2011
Teams might have a good combination of batsmen, bowlers and all-round cricketers, but sometimes that isn’t enough to win a major tournament. One key element, which can prove to be a biggest strength of a team, is the mental toughness of the players. However,
this factor seems to be missing from the English team, which is struggling to qualify for the knockout stages of the ICC World Cup 2011.
England are currently fifth in Group B with five points, and their chances of reaching the quarter-finals depend on the outcome of their next game against West Indies. The all important game for the Poms will be played on Thursday, 17thMarch.
If England win their final group match, they will have to wait for the outcome of the match between http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Bangladesh-c747, which will be played on Saturday 19th March. A victory for the hosts in that game - although very unlikely - will
give them a lead over England, who are in an uncertain situation.
In their last game against Bangladesh, the English bowlers conceded 33 extras. This proved to be a decisive factor in the match, as it was a low scoring game. Compared to England, the hosts just gave away 10 extra runs.
In order to win the next match and possibly some more games in the tournament, the Poms will have to remain calm and focused. If they continue to choke in pressure situations, they will be vulnerable against the likes of Chris Gayle and Kieron Pollard.
Destructive players like them can take full advantage of a nervous bowling attack.
All these stats and the pressure to win the match against the unpredictable Windies may prove to be too much for England. In these nervous times, captain Andrew Strauss will have to show some character and lead from the front.
Strauss can take the example of the 1992 World Cup, in which the Pakistan team had packed their bags and were all set to return to their country after a dismal time in the first half of the event.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Imran-Khan-c64237, who was captain of the team back then, didn’t lose his confidence and led his side to a terrific victory. The legendary player kept on believing that his team would be victorious, and that boosted the confidence of the dressing room.
England’s captain will have to play a similar role and lift the spirit of his team just at the right time. England have a few other similarities to Pakistan’s 1992 World Cup winning team. They have lost key batsman Kevin Pietersen and main striker Stuart
Broad due to injuries. Similarly, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Saeed-Anwar-c87864 and Waqar Younis in the 1992 tournament.
Some key players like Jonathan Trott, Eoin http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Morgan-c77707 and Graeme Swann could prove to be the key for Strauss, but a special effort will be required from the English captain.
On the other hand, the http://www.senore.com/Cricket/India-c750, in order to book their place in the quarter-finals.
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