Monday 19th January
Right, time to stick my neck out.
Forget what I have been saying about England’s slim chances of winning the
World Cup, I may of been a bit hasty, as I do believe they will win it. Yes, I
am confident they will win it, and here’s my thinking.
Australia will not win it for two
reasons. Firstly I think they have peaked and may off peaked too soon. They
have been beating everyone in sight over the past three months, I believe they
will become too arrogant and cocky (more so than usual, look at Warner). Their form will not
last, which leads me on to the second reason, home disadvantage.
When England beat them in the
opening match, the whole country will be on their backs, from the little boy in
the street to the big media giants who will just slag them off for fun. Home
advantage just does not work; only one country has won the World Cup when the
final has been staged on home soil, India.
As for India, they will not win
it, again for two reasons. Firstly, they are not playing on home, the tracks in
Australia just do not suit them, and secondly, no Little Master.
What about South Africa I hear you
cry, well what about them? Big time bottlers South Africa, the pressure will
get to them and will muck it up in the semi-finals for sure. I also think again
they are peaking too soon.
The other favourite team to win it
is Sri Lanka. A two man side in Kumar
Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene, get these two out and the rest will crumble.
And with Malinga still yet to prove his fitness they may struggle defending
totals.
I can see the final
being contested between England and New Zealand. Get Brendon McCullum early and
victory is guaranteed.
So why have I
changed my tune? Why the sudden optimism? What have I been drinking?
Me thinks England
have nothing to lose, and I also think they are a much better side than what
the media makes out. Another factor is that Jimmy Anderson will spearhead the
bowling attack, which will give the whole bowling unit a massive lift.
It looks as if Ian Bell and Moeen
Ali will open the batting, with Ali in the side he can also bowl 10 overs. With
this in mind England could play an extra batsman, so why not stick Gary Ballance
in at six instead of Bopara. Buttler at
seven (maybe a bit low, but hey they can change to order if needs be), followed
by Broad, Finn, Anderson and Tredwell.
Just be brave England, before it’s
too late and go and win that darn thing in a blaze of glory. Don’t forget
folks, you heard it here first!
Time for me to ile down and think
about seeing a shrink! England at 12-1, well it’s worth a few quid, or am I
better off using the monies to buy a pint?
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