This is a match between two teams of similar style of play. Both teams have high hopes in this world cup as they trounced World champions Australia in recent matches. Both teams are headed by astute captains. England won a tournament in Australia after a long time while New Zealand white washed Australia in the recent series. But, New Zealand was defeated by Bangladesh in the warm up match due to slow nature of West Indies pitches. England was convincingly thrashed by Australia in the warm up match.

England cricket team:

Pros:

1. Collingwood is in superb form.
 

2. Presence of world class all rounder Andrew Flintoff.
 

3. Michael Vaughan Captaincy.
 

4. Kevin Pietersen big hitting is very useful on small West Indies grounds.

Cons:

1. Inexperienced team.
 

2. Inconsistent team.
 

3. Absence of Marcus Trescothick

New Zealand cricket team:

Pros:

1. Captaincy of Stephen Fleming.
 

2. Emergence of Ross Taylor and Peter Fulton.
 

3. Brendum McCullum is in scintillating form.
 

4. Jacob Oram’s all round abilities.
 

5. Presence of world class off spinner Daniel Vettori.
 

6. Shane Bond bowling.

Cons:

1. Failure to play spinners.

Crucial contests that will decide the outcome of this match:

1. Jacob Oram × Andrew Flintoff.
 

2. Daniel Vettori × Monty Panesar
 

3. Michael Vaughan × Stephen Fleming
 

4. Paul Collingwood × Ross Taylor
 

5. Kevin Pietersen × Peter Fulton, Brendum McCullum

New Zealand is starting as favourite team to win this match despite their failure to beat Bangladesh.

No related posts.