It may sound crazy but with just two weeks to go before the World T20 in the Caribbean kicks off, England’s chances of finally winning an ICC trophy are looking better and better. The unpredictable nature of T20 means that on any given day any side can beat another and whilst Australia, India and South Africa must start as favourites it is not inconceivable that England could beat any of them on their day.
The IPL has shown that gun players like Robin Uthappa or Yusuf Pathan can change a game in an instant, and England’s gun player Kevin Pietersen is increasingly looking back to his commanding best. His innings the other night against Rajasthan, where he slammed 62 off 29 balls was a joy to watch and his general form in the IPL has been excellent. If Pietersen fires, then England has a real chance.
With the selectors for once being adventurous, England’s cannons are fully armed. Michael Lumb and Paul Collingwood have also starred in the IPL and despite his form slipping in the last couple of weeks Ravi Bopara looks to have regained his confidence. Eoin Morgan hasn’t had much game time for Bangalore, but it is to be hoped he can continue the significant progress he made in South Africa and Bangladesh. And Craig Kieswetter completes a rather good picture in terms of the batting.
The bowling is more of a concern, but James Anderson is back playing for Lancashire and Stuart Broad is a different player from the one mauled by Yuvraj Singh in the 2007 World T20 in South Africa. The selectors have also picked three spinners for the expected slow pitches and Michael Yardy could prove to be the rabbit in the hat. A fully fit and firing Andrew Flintoff is possibly the missing ingredient, but it is to be hoped that either Tim Bresnan or less likely Luke Wright can step up to the plate.
No doubt this is just one writer getting a bit ahead of himself and England will continue their shameful record of being the only test side bar Bangladesh to yet win an ICC world limited overs event. But the hope is there, please don’t dash it boys.
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