Stuart Broad expects England’s exciting batting lineup to help them prosper from their underdog status at the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup.
Speaking ahead of the side’s departure to Australia for a tri-series against their hosts and India, the Nottinghamshire and England all-rounder was bullish in backing England’s chances to impress.
I would say that we’re underdogs,” he said.
“Australia are probably favourites with the tournament on their own patch but we have the excitement in this changing room and world cup squad to do something special.
“The hitters, the likes of Moeen Ali, Alex Hales, Jos Buttler and Eoin Morgan, with the form that Joe Root has been in, you could mix that into a really exciting batting line up.”
England will go into the tournament with a backdrop of low expectation, but Broad is expecting to see a rejuvenated England under new leadership in Eoin Morgan, and crucially in a uniquely opening playing field for a global event.
“With the rugby world cup you always have the all-blacks, they’re the stars, the favourites. There’s no one in cricket like that,” he said.
“Everyone can beat anyone on their day, so if you get to a quarter-final it’s a three match shootout. England have never won a 50-over world cup, or tournament, so it’s an important time for us and it’ll be important for us not to look too far ahead.
“We just need to focus on each game and playing in different conditions each time, but it can be done. We can take a lot of inspiration from 1992 when we went over there and inspired our country.
“I remember watching that as a five or six year old and getting really into my cricket then and hopefully this year we can do the same but go one better.”
Morgan is being thrust into the spotlight somewhat, ater being named as Alastair Cook’s susccessor in the 50-over format. Broad, himself England’s T20 captain, has backed Morgan to excel under these new conditions, insisting that captaincy could also boost his personal game.
“As a captain you go from focusing on your own individual game, in preparation thinking of how many throwdowns you’re receiving, or balls you’re bowling and suddenly you have go ‘when’s the toss’ and ‘what’s the team?’ ‘I have to tell him he’s not playing, he needs to know what role he’s doing’,” said Broad.
“There are so many things going on in your mind that you think less technically about your game. You just have to make sure you get your basics done and I think that’ll do wonders for Eoin, he’s a free-spirited type of player, he doesn’t want to think too technically and he’ll be able to just go out and play.”
Trent Bridge hosts the fourth Royal London One-Day International between England and New Zealand on Wednesday 17 June. Don't miss the chance to take in what promises to be an absorbing contest and secure your seat now.