It is really heartening that cricket pundits in Australia are putting a number of fear factors in different websites for England against their tomorrow’s opponent Bangladesh.
Though England on paper are favorites for Monday’s fixture against Bangladesh but their recent form in World Cup have raised several eyebrows specially of their own famous English commentators. England despite scoring 300 in both matches against Scotland and Sri Lanka saw their bowlers have hard time against their opponents. They have somehow registered a win against Scotland while they have lost against Sri Lanka, Australia and New Zealand whereas Bangladesh are surprisingly well placed with 5 points while their famous rivals England are languishing at one from the bottom with 2 points.
So far lady luck seems to be smiling in favour of Bangladesh. They have earned priceless one point against Australia due to inclement weather which forced the match to be abandoned. Tigers did not falter against their minnows opponents Afghanistan and Scotland as they comfortably pocketed 4 points.
Now the equation is England will have to win both of their remaining fixtures (Bangladesh, Afghanistan). Bangladesh need only a point from their remaining two matches (England, New Zealand), who knows another washout may see Bangladesh walking into quarterfinals at England’s cost without even flexing their muscles.
Six fear factors underlined by cricket experts are as follow:
Don’t mention 2011: Bangladesh’s victory over England in the last World Cup was overshadowed by the craziness of Ireland’s triumph in Bangalore but it was a superb performance – England bowled out for just 225 and then Tamin Iqbal and Imrul Kayes (who are likely to open the batting again on Monday) getting the chase off to a great start. It is a video that Bangladesh will surely have on endless repeat in the dressing room as inspiration. At least England can console themselves that only three members of the XI that played four years ago are in contention to line up again.
Spinners: Spinners are England’s never-ending fear. Bangladesh have various options. Shakib Al Hasan, who captured two wickets in the 2011 success, has sent down 28.5 overs at this World Cup for fewer than five runs per over with Mahmudullah not too much more expensive. Sabbir Rahman also bowls legspin. Spinners have been less successful than pace bowlers so far in this World Cup, but England could change those stats if they bat badly.
Tamim: Tamim Iqbal is just the sort of whirlwind left-hander that England will undoubtedly bowl too short to. He has tucked into the England attack before, having slammed 125 from 120 balls in an ODI in Dhaka in 2010 and brings tidy form into this match with 81 in a warm-up against Pakistan and 95 against Scotland earlier in the week: Bangladesh’s highest score in World Cups. He is by a long distance Bangladesh’s most successful opening batsman in ODIs and gave Bangladesh’s chase a bright start in the 2011 upset over England with 38 from 26 balls.
Unpredictability: England will plan and prepare with their blend of nuclear science and homeopathy but which Bangladesh will they be preparing for? The Bangladesh who racked up over 300 to handsomely win against Scotland or the Bangladesh who were bowled out for just 58 chasing 106 to beat India back in June? The Bangladesh who skittle Afghanistan for 162 or the team who allowed Scotland to rack up 318? The unpredictability of Bangladesh’s performances must be providing the ECB Match Planning (Select) Sub-committee with sleepless nights.
The Vibe: South Africa did not have “the vibe” in Auckland when they lost to Pakistan. England has not had the vibe all in tournaments. They would not know a vibe if it stopped them in the street. England is sleeping through most of the tournament and disenchantment is rife. There is little evidence of confidence or purpose. They feel got at and unloved. Being an England player in Adelaide must be a lonely place to be.
