35 years of wait..!!


Labels: 2010 , 2010 England , 2010 World Cup , Australia , England , 0 comments
England and Australia have been best teams in World T20 tournament and will go head to head to decide who are crowned champions as England seek to win their first ever world competition in 35 years.
England have been outstanding throughout and after Australia's sensational semi-final win against Pakistan on Friday today's game has all the ingredients of being something very special.
Paul Collingwood and his men have played each game without fear and have been able to express themselves as both individuals and a united team knowing that they have belief in one another's skill levels and execution of plans while being totally adaptable to every situation.
This is without doubt the most relaxed yet confident England side I have seen and the way they have responded to the pressure has been a joy to watch.
Every player has played their part in reaching the final and it now needs one last massive effort to secure a victory all England fans have been waiting for - it's 35 years since the first one-day World Cup and England's name does not appear on any of the trophies. All that could change by tonight.
However, it won't be easy as Australia have shown that they have come to terms with this form of the game having struggled previously. Their pace attack of Dirk Nannes, Shaun Tait and Mitchell Johnson is a handful, especially on what should be a quick and bouncy pitch.
How England's top order cope with the 90mph thunderbolts will have a huge bearing on the outcome of the game. Also, Australian bowling attack seemed vulnerable in their last game against Pakistan.
For England, the opening pair of Michael Lumb and Craig Kieswetter have proved a huge success as they have been prepared to take the attack to the opposition and it's vital they continue in the same way today.
The excellent form of Kevin Pietersen and Morgan has bred confidence and adds a cutting edge to their play.
It is apparent Collingwood and the coach Andy Flower have instructed the team to play with freedom and take the attacking options knowing they have their total support even if it doesn't always come off.
It isn't just with the bat either as the bowling has been of the highest class with great variety and control and all the plans expertly executed.
The innovations of the slower ball and slow bouncer have proved hugely successful while the spin twins of Graeme Swann and Mike Yardy have worked exceptionally well. Australia too has great depth to their batting and with Michael Hus-secoming in at seven they will always believe that they will score enough runs to ensure victory as proved in their thrilling semi final win.
It really is too close to call but England's greater all -round variety in batting and bowling will hopefully tip the scales in their favour. It's been a long time, but today could be the day when England can finally be called world champions.
ENGLAND'S WORLD FINALS HEARTACHE
1979 World Cup: WEST INDIES beat ENGLAND by 92 runs
England reduced the Windies to 99-4 but 86 from Collis King set up an easy World Cup final win for Clive Lloyd's team.
1987 World Cup: AUSTRALIA beat ENGLAND by 7 runs
This is the closest England has ever got to winning the world title. They were set for World Cup final glory until Mike Gatting's reverse sweep sparked a collapse that gifted it to the Aussies.
1992 World Cup: PAKISTAN beat ENGLAND by 22 runs
England had looked impressive on the way to the World Cup final, but even Ian Botham could not inspire his team as much as Imran Khan inspired Pakistan.
2004 Champions Trophy: WEST INDIES beat ENGLAND by 2 wickets
A Marcus Trescothick ton was not enough in the Champions Trophy final as a ninth wicket stand saw the Windies home.