Friday, March 30, 2007

England v Ireland

World Cup cricket: Time for England to get down to business, says Vaughan


England captain Michael Vaughan expects the Irish to be plucky, well drilled and to work as a tight unit. What he aims to exploit is something the Irish do not have: experience in high-pressure, international cricket.

"First and foremost we respect the Irish _ they're in the Super 8s because they played good cricket," Vaughan said ahead of Friday's match at Guyana's new Providence ground, now known as the National Stadium. "We've prepared in the same fashion as we would have done against Australia or South Africa. "But if we play to our best, we should win it."

Three-time losing finalist England advanced beyond the first round at a World Cup for the first time since 1996 by placing second in Group C behind New Zealand. Ireland caused one of the biggest upsets in cricket history with a win over Pakistan in the group stage which put the 1992 champion out of the tournament.

That was wedged between the thrilling last-ball tie with Zimbabwe in its debut World Cup match and a lopsided loss to the West Indies.

What do you think?

Are England good enough?

My view is that a chastened England will slaughter Ireland and win comfortably.

GB

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