Thu, 17 Mar 2011 - Engand vs West Indies, World Cup 2011, 36th match Group B - Preview

Arguably the most important game of the tournament so far as England have found themselves in a must win situation after getting a shock defeat at the hands of Bangladesh. More than West Indies, it will be England that will be under pressure to perform because if Andrew Strauss led side loss they will be making their way back to the UK.

The loss would mean an early round exit for the side that has been playing some top class cricket in last two years or so.

Knowing how England have operated under Strauss and Andy Flower, cricketers giving more than 100% in this game is a surety. England have been inconsistent in this tournament so far to say the least as they couldn’t hold their nerves against Bangladesh at the crucial moments of game losing to points to the home side. The loss to Bangladesh could well have been a body blow to English side’s chance to qualify for the next round.

On the other hand, West Indies have looked a side that is improving after every game they play scoring three successive victories in the three matches against Netherlands, Ireland and Bangladesh triggering a comeback after getting beaten by South Africa.

West Indies, even if they lose have game to play against India but they would be keen to book their place in knockout stages by defeating English side on Wednesday and not leave their fate on their game against India.

With a spot in knockout stages and pride on stake, a cracker of a awaits the cricket fans at Chennai but any result that isn’t in favour of England will break hearts of their million fans.

ENGLAND

England have simply not put together all the facets of its game and that has contributed to its rather poor show in the tournament. When their bowling unit has performed well, their batsmen have disappointed and vice-versa, leaving strong English side on a brink of early round exit.

For keeping their chances of making it to the knockout stages alive, England must get all areas of their game together against West Indies.

Senior players will to take their game to another level and responsibilities and, it appears, England are too much dependant on their skipper and Johnathan Trott at the top of the order.

Eoin Morgan’s return should boost the side but runs are due from Collingwood, Matt Prior and Ian Bell as trio has looked woefully out of form.

In bowling department, Stuart Broad absence has been felt big time and Anderson hasn’t looked the bowler people know him.

That would mean Graeme Swan will have to carry the burden of the bowling again and with Caribbean side having left-handed batsmen his role becomes even more crucial.

There has been a injury scare to Strauss and Swan but team management ids hopeful that they will be able to take the field on Thursday.

SQUAD

Andrew Strauss (Capt), James Anderson, Ian Bell Tim Bresnan Chris Tremellet, Paul Collingwood, Ravi Bopara , Eoin Morgan, Matt Prior (wk), Ajmal Shahzad Graeme Swann, James Tredwell , Jonathan Trott, Luke Wright Michael Yardy.

Coach: Andy Flower

WEST INDIES

Without much of a fuss, West Indies have eased themselves into the tournament and looked focused and united to make a statement to the world that they aren’t a spent force.

Chris Gayle and Devon Smith have given some good starts to the team with Smith emerging as the highest run getter of the tournament so far.

The big plus for the West Indies has been the form of Kieran Pollard who has silenced his detractors by playing some match winning innings in the tournament that has helped him long way in proving ODI credentials Runs have, however, dried up for senior duo of Ramnaresh Sarwan and Shiv Chanderpaul and team would them to get some form before all important knockout stages.

What would please West Indies fans in the way fast bowler Kemar Roach has bowled on the flat decks of sub-continent cranking up 140 kph plus pace regularly to give important breakthroughs to his team.

Slow left arm Suleiman Benn hasn’t done any harm to his reputation emerging one of the highest wicket takers of the tournament with twelve wickets. Most of his wickets have come in his first spell opening the bowling with Kemar Roach.

SQUAD

Andre Russell, Chris Gayle Darren Bravo Darren Sammy (c) Devendra Bishoo Devon Smith Devon Thomas (wk), Kemar Roach Kieran Pollard Kirk Edwards Nikita Miller Ramnaresh Sarwan Ravi Rampaul S Chanderpaul Suleiman Benn

Coach: Ottis Gibson