Apr 05, 2005 07:31 PM
3328 Views
(Updated Apr 05, 2005 07:31 PM)
England have travelled a lot of distance since the ICC Cricket World Cup 2003. After the coveted tournament ended, Michael Vaughan took up the reigns of a struggling England team and transformed the team which now, claims it can even beat Australia!
This transformation came after Nasser Hussain stepped down from the helm in both forms of the game. England has made massive improvements in the test arena. They defeated West Indies in their backyard in a test series for the 1st time in 40 years. Last year they defeated South Africa in their backyard to win a test series for the 1st time in 50 years!!!
Moreover test series' win at home against Sri Lanka, West Indies, and New Zealand have helped their confidence. The team has a strong-willed skipper in Michael Vaughan, fabulous openers in Trescothick and Strauss, strong middle order in Butcher, Thorpe, Flintoff and Jones, quality fast bowlers in Harmison and Hoggard and a handy spinner in Giles. England deserves to be 2nd in the official ICC test rankings.
Despite the recent success in tests, England's one day performances still needs improvements. Losing Champions trophy final to the Windies was very sadistic, considering they were in a position to win the game easily. Recently, they lost the ODI series in South Africa which has further dented the English confidence.
However, the team has talent and expertise. Kevin Pieterson is the latest batting sensation. Andrew Flintoff is the best all-rounder in English ranks. The Pieterson-Flintoff pair looks ominous for England in their middle-order. The opening partner for Trescothick is a problem area which has to be solved quickly. Bowling deptt. looks descent. England is destined to rise up the ladder in the ODI's and make a mark in WC 2007.
This England team is confident, full of youth and expertise, and I won't be stunned if they overcome the odds and defeat the invincible Aussies to regain the Ashes.
