Second Round of Warm Up Games
Well I did say I wouldn’t be too bothered if we lost to Australia, and we did! The second round of warm up games involving the eight teams realistically in with a shot of the World Cup took place on Friday, and with the opening ceremony this evening and the first group game on Tuesday, its time to start getting excited about what should be an excellent tournament!
Going back to the England game, it was good to see Vaughan and Bell get some good runs, and although we then capitulated a bit to end up all out for under 200, the warm up game did its job i reckon. The players won’t go into the World Cup thinking themselves unbeatable - so will hopefully rise to each game. The pitch itself looked like one where it was difficult to “get in”, but once you were then you could pounce on the bad balls being bowled. I was a little concerned to see Monty Panesar only something like the 7th bowler used, well behind Dalrymple. Please, this better only be temporary, as if Monty is underused in the World Cup I can see the stick Duncan Fletcher getting from the media will be even worse than during the Ashes series. Monty is a genuine world class bowler in the making, and like many in the media have said, we only have him and Freddie in that mould. To under use either of them would be suicidal - and if that happens expect to see me say it!
Having said that I really don’t think we will win the World Cup - we’ve got some good players, but there aren’t enough of them who will together put a string of performances together. I look at some of the teams though I can see a lot of talent, but not the stand out team that will win the cup. Teams like India have such good players, but the ability to self-destruct. South Africa don’t seem to be on top of their game, and Sri Lanka also have the quality but not the consistency. West Indies may be the home side, but that appears to be more of a hindrance than a help - they were bowled out for just 85 by India!
I think this means that I will resist betting on the tournament for the moment, but i’ll just watch it and enjoy it! I have put together a fantasy team on the Sky Sports website which will also help keep me interested - I’m going to try and win the xbox 360 on offer (to go with the one I already have!). Its free to enter so if you want some more interest in the cup I recommend it!
Anyway, bring on the World Cup - lets hope for some big scores, close games and great cricket!
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8 Responses to “Second Round of Warm Up Games”
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I was just wondering why Coley isn’t in the World Cup squad, especially seeing as James Anderson is now doubtful. England could have done with his back up medium pacers!!
Not you again John, everyone knows Coley is stuck under a fitness cloud after failing an alcohol related drugs test
Yeah I know, hes been told to shape up by his County club otherwise he will be out. Oh no, out comes the lycras again!
John are you saying that Coley wears support stockings to keep his stomach in!!!!??
Well if thats what you call them? They look very sexy though, apparently, I have not seen them yet.
Check this new website out Andy, its going to be good and contain all the latest cricket info -
www.livecricketupdates.com
John should we be taking the mick out of coley like this on the web, he’s a famous cricketer and if people found out it could reach the tabloids!!!!!
Well I think the press already know about it, they are just waiting for England to fail in the World Cup and then they will jump on the bandwagon! I personally think England have a very good chance of making the semi finals looking at their record in their last 15 or so one dayers.