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| April 17, 2007 | Tuesday | Rabi-ul-Awwal 28, 1428 |
Vaughan relishing make-or-break contest
BRIDGETOWN, April 16: Michael Vaughan said he was relishing a fierce make-or-break World Cup contest against South Africa here on Tuesday. With his South African-born Kevin Pietersen having been engaged in a bitter feud with Proteas skipper Graeme Smith after the batsman's switch of allegiance, Vaughan tried to play down the potential volatile encounter.
But he admitted that on-field exchanges between players is part and parcel of the World Cup.
“I don't really mind it. Cricket's a tough sport and when you have 11 guys out there, it can get a little fiery. But it is nothing that gets too personal, just a bit of banter,” said
“I have no issue with Smith. He is an excellent captain, the leader of his team. I have a lot of respect for him.”
Vaughan vowed England will shake themselves out of the mediocre form which has dogged them throughout the tournament.“It is the biggest match of the World Cup,” said Vaughan.
“It's a great opportunity to raise our level. It's a game that could take us to the semi-finals for the first time since 1992.”
Vaughan believes England can repeat the sort of form which took them to a shock tri-series win Australia earlier this year.
“We are a side that can turn up and produce on the day. We did it in the tri-series when we were down and out and it is because we have players who enjoy big games, pressure situations, big crowds,” said the captain.—AFP
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