MUMBAI, (Reuters) – A sloppy England will look to arrest their slump in form when they meet an in-form South Africa in a high-profile World Cup Group B clash in Chennai today.
Andrew Strauss’ men started with an escape to victory against the Netherlands and followed it up with a run feast against co-hosts India which finished in a tie.
If the early signs were not ominous enough, they finally succumbed to a brutal assault from Ireland’s Kevin O’Brien after putting a mammoth 329 on the board and lost by three wickets.
So with just three points from three matches, the World Cup campaign does not get easier for Strauss and company.
“We have beaten South Africa a lot of times before, we have beaten Bangladesh and West Indies before. If we win three games, we are definitely into the quarter-finals,” Strauss summed up what was required.
England were dealt another blow when it was learnt that their most dangerous batsman Kevin Pietersen is struggling with a hernia which needs an operation after the World Cup.
Not good news for sure ahead of a tough encounter against Group B table toppers South Africa, who have hardly set a foot wrong in the tournament.
In today’s other match, India will aim to keep a spirited Ireland side in check on the batting paradise in Bangalore’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Ireland have earned the respect of the cricketing fraternity after their shock three-wicket win over England — the same team against whom India only managed to eke out a tie off the very last ball of the match.
The Indian batsmen have done their job in both India’s matches so far — with totals of 370 and 338 against Bangladesh and England respectively.
But India’s bowlers have failed to keep the runs in check of their opposition so far and come today they will need to step up and allay the fears of their demanding supporters.
