Anderson faces axe in key England game
Source: Agencies |
March 17, 2011, Thursday
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JAMES Anderson cannot take his place for granted while Matt Prior may bat lower down the order in today's must-win World Cup Group B match against West Indies, England skipper Andrew Strauss hinted yesterday.
Kevin Pietersen's exit with a hernia led to Prior's promotion to the top as Strauss' opening partner but the wicketkeeper-batsman might return to the middle order again where his ability to play spin better than some of his teammates would suit the team more.
"We said it before ... that he may not (open) in every game now. We have got to weigh up the conditions and the West Indies' attack and decide what's the best way of countering them in the first 10-15 overs," Strauss said. "(In that case) two likely options are (Ian) Bell and (Ravi) Bopara. We have to decide the best batting order."
After his disappointing performance in the World Cup, Anderson's place also looked in jeopardy even though Strauss insisted the pace bowler was very much in the selection mix.
"You always try to pick the right side to win a game. Jimmy had a tough time in some of the games but we all know what a quality performer he is.
"He has done it for us over and over again so his name is very much in the mix for selection but as is always the case, we are not going to tell you which way we are going to go in the selection before a game."
Chris Tremlett would be the beneficiary if Anderson is ignored.
Strauss reckoned England could not possibly slip further after its inconsistent campaign has left it tottering on the brink of a premature exit. "The juices are flowing, there are a few butterflies in the stomach and I think that's a great sign for us," Strauss told reporters.
"We played well in the big matches over the past couple of years. The equation is very simple. This is the time to go out and take on the West Indies.
"Mindset-wise that really helps you. So I'm genuinely excited about it. I think we can go out there and play some really good cricket tomorrow and hopefully book our passage to the next level."
Strauss said that in the West Indies, England had decent opposition but they were certainly not invincible.
Kevin Pietersen's exit with a hernia led to Prior's promotion to the top as Strauss' opening partner but the wicketkeeper-batsman might return to the middle order again where his ability to play spin better than some of his teammates would suit the team more.
"We said it before ... that he may not (open) in every game now. We have got to weigh up the conditions and the West Indies' attack and decide what's the best way of countering them in the first 10-15 overs," Strauss said. "(In that case) two likely options are (Ian) Bell and (Ravi) Bopara. We have to decide the best batting order."
After his disappointing performance in the World Cup, Anderson's place also looked in jeopardy even though Strauss insisted the pace bowler was very much in the selection mix.
"You always try to pick the right side to win a game. Jimmy had a tough time in some of the games but we all know what a quality performer he is.
"He has done it for us over and over again so his name is very much in the mix for selection but as is always the case, we are not going to tell you which way we are going to go in the selection before a game."
Chris Tremlett would be the beneficiary if Anderson is ignored.
Strauss reckoned England could not possibly slip further after its inconsistent campaign has left it tottering on the brink of a premature exit. "The juices are flowing, there are a few butterflies in the stomach and I think that's a great sign for us," Strauss told reporters.
"We played well in the big matches over the past couple of years. The equation is very simple. This is the time to go out and take on the West Indies.
"Mindset-wise that really helps you. So I'm genuinely excited about it. I think we can go out there and play some really good cricket tomorrow and hopefully book our passage to the next level."
Strauss said that in the West Indies, England had decent opposition but they were certainly not invincible.
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