England World Cup strategy memo
From: Andy Flower, team director
To: Andrew Strauss, captain
Straussy,
As the tournament kicks off in only a couple of days, I wanted to set down a few final thoughts on how things are going to work. Now we’ve moved KP up to open the batting, we need to capitalise on this radical approach, and throw a few other ideas into the pot.
1. Bowling Catch the opposition by surprise – that’s always been my maxim. And on Asian pitches there’s a lot to be said for taking the pace off the ball. So why don’t we open the bowling with Ian Bell? Those 70mph dobblers of his carry a lot more venom than people realise. Plus, the oppo won’t have worked out a plan to him. QED
2. Wicket-keeper I’m really beginning to warm to your idea of bringing in Alastair Cook behind the stumps. True, he’s never done it before at any level of cricket. And admittedly, he’s six foot three, and not very good at catching. But faint heart and stuck-in-the-mud thinking never won a world cup. Innovation, that’s the key.
3. Spin I have good news to report from the nets – James Anderson’s leg breaks are coming on a treat. Critics are going to say – as the world’s number one ranked pace bowler, he should be focussing on swing and seam. But what they simply don’t realise is that on these pitches you must give the ball a chance to turn – and Ando’s going to give it the biggest rip he can!
4. Batting I’ve just spoken to Paul Collingwood, and he’s happy to bat left handed. What a guy – always putting the needs of the team first! Colly wasn’t that keen initially, but when I explained just how tricky some of Canada’s left-arm spinners can be, and how the change of angle could be crucial, he came straight on board.
5. Kit Everyone loves the idea of playing the first match in Star Wars costumes. James Tredwell looks surprisingly convincing in his Chewbacca outfit, while – by sheer good fortune – Jonathan Trott had brought his Boba Fett stuff with him anyway. Mike Yardy was a bit concerned that Darth Vader’s robes might inhibit his bowling action, but Broady got out his needle and thread and made a few telling alterations. Sorted!
That’s about it for now – very excited by all this new thinking. By the way, can you remind me who we’re playing first up? Did Namibia qualify this time?
As dictated to Maxie Allen
