Again like with SA they'll find the sub continent pitches different from their backyard. But their tall pacemen in Finn, Anderson, Tremlett & broad might be able to extract something out on the flat tracks. They'll be arriving at the wc with a strong team for the 1 st time since 92.
Despite some excellent individual talent, somehow haven't yet transcended the mediocre as an ODI unit which they have overwhelmingly done in Tests. Some of it also has to do with the high performances they've garnered against weaker sides (like Scotland and Bangladesh, which hasn't helped their Team) and some of it is to do with not striking the right combination yet. Still, given the talent they have, they could pull through a serious upset or two. With a lot of luck on their side, may reach the semifinals.
Captain: Eoin Morgan
Replaced Alastair Cook in December and charged with rejuvenating the team with his bold and innovative leadership style. Led the side to Tri-Series final against Australia but a heavy defeat raised familiar doubts about the England side.
Coach: Peter Moores
In his second spell in charge of the team. Bowed to pressure to fire the under-performing Cook as captain and desperate to mark his mark in a major tournament for the first time.
Strengths:
- Key batsmen: Ian Bell and Jos Buttler
- Key bowlers: James Anderson and Steven Finn
- Despite some outstanding individual talent, they are middle-of-the-road in all categories as an ODI unit. It could become a strength when they play a volatile side having a bad day, or if they themselves have two or three players (like Trott, Pietersen, Broad or Swann) have a really good one.
Weaknesses:
- They have the worst Strike Rate amongst all major teams in this World Cup. This could be a big weakness waiting to be exploited.
- Despite some high impact players, overall an inconsistent ODI side.
