NOTTINGHAM:
England will have criticism from all-round great Ian Botham ringing in their ears as they try to get back on level terms with India in the third ODI at Trent Bridge on Saturday.
Wednesday’s huge 133-run defeat by India in Cardiff was almost a textbook demonstration of what have been England’s major weaknesses in one-day cricket in recent years.
It prompted a disillusioned Botham, now a commentator with Sky Sports, to write off England’s chances at next year’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
“We have absolutely no chance of winning the World Cup as on the evidence I’ve seen here we are miles behind the rest,” he said.
Botham added, “India also knew that all they needed to do was bring on the spinners to make England look clueless.”
India made hay against England’s change seamers, with Chris Jordan’s return of none for 73 containing a worrying 12 wides.
Botham urged the Sussex paceman to be left out for his own good and England do have alternative options in their squad in left-armer Harry Gurney and Middlesex fast-bowler Steven Finn.
“I would give Finn, whose record in one-day cricket is exceptional, a go,” said Botham of the 25-year-old.
Meanwhile, India opener Rohit Sharma has been ruled out of the remainder of the one-day series after suffering a broken finger.
Murali Vijay will fly to England as his replacement but is unlikely to arrive in time for Saturday’s ODI.
Swann stands by comments
Graeme Swann reiterated his call to Cook to stand down as England’s one-day captain and quit limited overs internationals completely, saying the team’s current approach to the 50-over game was akin to a “two-litre diesel in a Formula One race”.
In his Sun column published on Friday, Swann said, “Real mates are honest with each other. I’m no longer in the England dressing room and it is my job now as a pundit to give my honest thoughts.
“I think being one-day captain is a poisoned chalice for him. Moreover, the cricket England are playing in 50-over cricket is outdated and I fear it will be a painful winter for the team.”
Published in The Express Tribune, August 30th, 2014.
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