England head into their final Group B match against the West Indies knowing that defeat will signal the end of their World Cup campaign.
A see-saw tournament for England has seen them lose to Ireland and Bangladesh, tie with India and beat South Africa. They will look to off-spinner Graeme Swann to put the squeeze on the batsmen.
“It gives things some clarity,” said Swann. “If we win four games, we win the World Cup. If we’d won our first four games it would’ve been a nicer position to be in but there’s no point looking back.”
Swann refuses to blame schedule
On England’s congested fixture list, Swann felt there was no reason to blame it for their stuttering World Cup campaign. England came into the event on the back of an Ashes tour and a seven-match One-Day International series.
“We do have a ludicrous schedule but it’s no excuse,” said the off-spinner.”
Zaheer’s experience key for India
With 12 wickets so far, Zaheer Khan is the leading fast-bowler at the World Cup and India captain MS Dhoni’s go-to man.
Dhoni has relied on the left-armer when the going gets tough for the co-hosts. The 32-year-old, however, prefers to keep a low profile.
“I’m enjoying the space I am in,” said Zaheer. “There’s a lot more responsibility and I’ve no issues going to sleep with this pressure.”
The bowler’s clam disposition was on show during the tied game against England. He was taken for 40 runs in his first five overs. But bowling in his second spell, an inspired Zaheer came back to clean up Strauss and Ian Bell off successive deliveries to bring India back into the game.
Dhoni summed up Zaheer’s effectiveness.
“He always has a back-up plan ready in case the first strategy doesn’t work,” said Dhoni.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 16th, 2011.
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