NAGPUR: Sample this: Out of the first four World Cup matches three have been one-sided affairs. If one goes by the record books then the schedule till the quarterfinals reveals that 16 of the 42 matches-that's almost 40%- look headed for a similar fate.
Of course, cricket being the eternal game of uncertainties, there may be an odd upset.
But England are sure that the upset won't happen on Tuesday. They are well aware of the pain that the bite of underdogs causes. The famous 2009 Lord's T20 reversal invariably finds a mention whenever the two teams square-off. But the Netherlands will find another giant-killing act hard to come. This time around, England will be anything but complacent. Thus, the game too looks headed for a one-sided end.
For the first time since 1992, England have a realistic chance of winning the Cup. The hopes skyrocketed on the back of a stupendous Ashes showing. But it was followed by 1-6 drubbing at the hands of Aussies. The debacle couldn't have come at an appropriate time for Strauss & Co. One can be assured that the Brits feet will be firmly on the ground.
Captain Andrew Strauss knows that if his players take the opponents lightly then danger lurks around the corner. "These guys are dangerous cricketers as we have seen in the past. You can't underestimate Netherlands. We need to give 100%. A 10% off, we will be in trouble," Strauss said.
England have made a bold statement by using Kevin Pietersen as an opener in the warm-ups. The middle-order boasts of in-form Jonathan Trott, who is at present troubled a bit by injured finger. The presence of Paul Collingwood, Ian Bell, Ravi Bopara and Matt Prior make for a solid middle-order which the Netherlands bowlers will surely find too much to content.
James Anderson will lead the England bowling attack. Stuart Broad too has not taken much time to get into the groove, he has two five-wicket hauls in as many warm-ups.
There has been a debate surrounding associate members' participation in the World Cup. Though, the Netherlands skipper, Peter Borren, promised to silence the detractors with performance on the field, their coach was more realistic about the England game. "We lack the knowledge of batting in the ODIs," Peter Drinnen said.
"Our bowling attack is inexperienced and not youthful in age," Drinnen added.
TOI
Of course, cricket being the eternal game of uncertainties, there may be an odd upset.
But England are sure that the upset won't happen on Tuesday. They are well aware of the pain that the bite of underdogs causes. The famous 2009 Lord's T20 reversal invariably finds a mention whenever the two teams square-off. But the Netherlands will find another giant-killing act hard to come. This time around, England will be anything but complacent. Thus, the game too looks headed for a one-sided end.
For the first time since 1992, England have a realistic chance of winning the Cup. The hopes skyrocketed on the back of a stupendous Ashes showing. But it was followed by 1-6 drubbing at the hands of Aussies. The debacle couldn't have come at an appropriate time for Strauss & Co. One can be assured that the Brits feet will be firmly on the ground.
Captain Andrew Strauss knows that if his players take the opponents lightly then danger lurks around the corner. "These guys are dangerous cricketers as we have seen in the past. You can't underestimate Netherlands. We need to give 100%. A 10% off, we will be in trouble," Strauss said.
England have made a bold statement by using Kevin Pietersen as an opener in the warm-ups. The middle-order boasts of in-form Jonathan Trott, who is at present troubled a bit by injured finger. The presence of Paul Collingwood, Ian Bell, Ravi Bopara and Matt Prior make for a solid middle-order which the Netherlands bowlers will surely find too much to content.
James Anderson will lead the England bowling attack. Stuart Broad too has not taken much time to get into the groove, he has two five-wicket hauls in as many warm-ups.
There has been a debate surrounding associate members' participation in the World Cup. Though, the Netherlands skipper, Peter Borren, promised to silence the detractors with performance on the field, their coach was more realistic about the England game. "We lack the knowledge of batting in the ODIs," Peter Drinnen said.
"Our bowling attack is inexperienced and not youthful in age," Drinnen added.
TOI
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