|
|
|
| January 23, 2007 | Tuesday | Muharram 03, 1428 |
Ganguly backs England to lift World Cup
NAGPUR, Jan 22: Former Indian skipper Saurav Ganguly believes England are one of the five teams who have a chance of winning the upcoming World Cup in the West Indies.
Ganguly, who led India to the 2003 World Cup final, said there is enough talent present in the English side who could steer their team for their first ever World Cup triumph.
Ganguly, recalled to India's one-day squad after 16 months said: “They can do well in one-day cricket if they get their heads right and find a format to play the game.
“I think there is enough talent in this team to do well in one-day cricket.”
Ganguly, who hit 98 in India's 14-run win over West Indies here on Sunday, is however concerned about the personnel in the England team.
He feels the absence of Marcus Trescothick could hurt the team and says Usman Afzaal, not even named in England's initial squad of 30, should be playing.
“I played with Usman at Northampton last year and he looks a very talented player,” said Ganguly.
“I'm sure if he gets an opportunity for England he will do well for the country.“I feel he's got a lot of ability. He can he it the ball, he's a clean striker of the ball and can be a strength to English cricket.” Afzaal, 29, played in three Tests in the Ashes series of 2001 but has not featured in a One-day International. He hit 319 runs at an average of 63.8 in the Pro40 League in 2006.
But even without him and Trescothick, Ganguly says England fans should have reason to cheer.
“Kevin Pietersen is obviously a talented player, so is Ian Bell, and of course Andrew Flintoff.
“It all depends how England play. It's very difficult to predict how teams will play in World Cups but they have a good side.”
Ganguly says Australia, South Africa, India and Pakistan are the other teams capable of winning the tournament.—Agencies
|
|
|
|
