Bell sounds warning to rivals

Batsman feels England’s best is yet to come.

NEW DEHLI:

England batsman Ian Bell believes his team’s unpredictability means they are a side none of their opponents will want to face in the knockout stages of the World Cup.

England have been involved in several thrilling matches. They tied with India and beat South Africa yet lost to both Ireland and Bangladesh. They were on the brink of elimination when the West Indies, chasing 244 for victory, were 222 for six. Yet England took four wickets for three runs to stay in the tournament.

“I’m sure there are teams that don’t want to play us because they don’t quite know what they’ll get,” said Bell

The batsman warned their best was yet to come. “If we win all three matches, we’ll be able to look back on one of the best winters of all time.” “It’s been incredible, tiring and a little frustrating that we haven’t put it all together.”

Vettori hopes to be fit for quarter-final

New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori believes he will be fit to face South Africa in the World Cup quarter-finals after missing two matches with a knee injury.

Vettori was sidelined for the matches against Canada and Sri Lanka after hurting his knee while fielding against Pakistan.

“I should be all right to get through the batting and bowling, it’s just the running around that is hampering me a bit,” said Vettori. “But I still have a few days left and I’m confident of being available.”

Wicket-keeper Brendon McCullum, who has carried on playing despite tearing the cartilage in his right knee against Zimbabwe, shrugged off his injury.

“I hate the fact this sort of stuff can be used as an excuse,” said McCullum “The World Cup comes around every four years, so players need to get over it and work through injuries.”

Published in The Express Tribune, March 21^st, 2011.