Cricket: It will be very tough for England, says Mascarenhas
Feels Pietersen’s absence will dent defending champions’ chances.
Dimitri Mascarenhas has cautioned that England may find it hard to defend their title in the upcoming World Twenty20 series in Sri Lanka.
Although ranked number one, England are not clear favourites for winning this tournament, believes Mascarenhas, adding that India, Sri Lanka and Australia are more likely to claim the title this time around.
“I think England will go okay but they will find it hard work at times,” said the all-rounder.
Mascarenhas expressed his disappointment at being snubbed from the World Twenty20 squad.
“I think I could play a part, so I was disappointed not to make the squad. But I was not even in the initial 30-man squad, so read into that what you will.”
Commenting on the present squad, Mascarenhas believes that they have the talent to give opponents a difficult time.
“England are banking a lot on people like Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler and Alex Hales. It is going to be tough for them, but they have got the talent.”
The T20 specialist also feels that England are a relatively weaker team without Kevin Pietersen.
“They have left out the best Twenty20 player they have got [Pietersen]. He was named player of the [last] tournament. That says it all.”
Published in The Express Tribune, September 17th, 2012.
Although ranked number one, England are not clear favourites for winning this tournament, believes Mascarenhas, adding that India, Sri Lanka and Australia are more likely to claim the title this time around.
“I think England will go okay but they will find it hard work at times,” said the all-rounder.
Mascarenhas expressed his disappointment at being snubbed from the World Twenty20 squad.
“I think I could play a part, so I was disappointed not to make the squad. But I was not even in the initial 30-man squad, so read into that what you will.”
Commenting on the present squad, Mascarenhas believes that they have the talent to give opponents a difficult time.
“England are banking a lot on people like Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler and Alex Hales. It is going to be tough for them, but they have got the talent.”
The T20 specialist also feels that England are a relatively weaker team without Kevin Pietersen.
“They have left out the best Twenty20 player they have got [Pietersen]. He was named player of the [last] tournament. That says it all.”
Published in The Express Tribune, September 17th, 2012.