Who Will Answer England’s Call?

With the ICC World Cup only two days away many are eagerly awaiting the final showdown, and with it the possibility, and high likelihood, of a new champion.

With England surviving a late scare against minnows Canada in their final warm-up, the stage is now set for England to attempt what has so far eluded them- a World Cup victory.

While the sub continent tournament is being touted as a spinner’s paradise, many will be sitting back and awaiting the fireworks as the worlds biggest hitters come together.

Names such as Gayle, Pietersen, Amla and Dhoni will be wielding the willow with plenty of boundaries on the cards.

However, who will be the man to do it for England?

Following a disastrous ODI series against Australia, England limped through as eventual losers at the wrong end of a 6-1 scoreline.

Excuses of long summer tours and injuries will count for nothing as the men in blue go about attempting to add to their T20 World Cup trophy.

Top of the list from the bookies perspective is South African born Jonathan Trott.

Trott was, until the last ODI series, very much only considered a Test specialist before unleashing a devastating run of form that now has him within touching distance of breaking Viv Richard’s record for the fastest man to 1000 ODI runs.

Next up is England captain Andrew Strauss. Straussy will have the added pressure of captaincy in this tournament, however as shown in the past this is a man that thrives on pressure situations. He will need to turn his mediocre ODI form around if he is to dominate for England.

South African born native Kevin Pietersen once again finds himself near the top of the list. It has been 5 years now since KP launched himself onto the world stage and as all cricket fans have realised- this man loves nothing more than the grand occasion. Bar his double century during the Ashes, it has been a long time since KP dominated the middle.

However, having played in the IPL for the past two seasons he will know conditions as good as any, and could surprise by doing the job for England.

Ian Bell arrives at surprisingly long odds.

At six even this man could be an earner, however one feels that coming in down the order might see him having to risk his wicket. While Bell holds all the shots in the book, his role will very much be twofold- either anchor the innings with a responsible slower scoring knock, or hit big and very likely offer up a catch to long off. He is a long shot here.

The much talked about Paul Collingwood is priced long at 11 even. Simply put- Collingwood should not be in this squad. He has been out of form for too long a time, and putting him ahead of the likes of in-from players such as Morgan was foolish.

Bar a catch here and there he will continue to be a burden to a fragile middle order.

From there the list heads towards the lower end.

Matt Prior could surprise if shifted up the order, however one feels that Andy Flower will be going with continuity in this batting order, which should see the wicketkeeper coming in at number 7.

This will be an explosive series and one that England will fancy their chances of bringing home.