Howell hits back at England's critics: Benny's World Club Blog 2
27 February 2015
In the second of his blogs for the Western Morning News in association with St Austell Brewery, Benny Howell gives his verdict on England's progress in the World Cup.
After Australia had cruised past England in Melbourne, it was imperative they bounced back in their second group match against in-form New Zealand.
History was not on their side and playing the co-hosts on their home turf meant they were the underdogs. No pressure right?
Wrong.
I blinked and it was over.
Tim Southee decimated England's top, middle and bottom order, taking 7-33 and skittling them for a mere 123. He bowled quick and straight with swing and seam - something the England have been unable to do.
This proved to be the case again in the next 45 minutes in what seemed like an action movie trailer - one exhilarating scene after another. Brendan McCullum battered the ball to all parts, in what was the fastest 50 in World Cup history - a breath-taking 77 off just 25 balls. Incredible.!
Slammed by critics as 'the worst performance of all time', England had to pick themselves up to play 'second tier' Scotland just a few days later. They did just that with an emphatic 119 run win. Moeen Ali scored a superb 128. Would this be enough to shut up the doubters?
It did not.
If anything, they went harder, claiming the batting was shaky and unconvincing. It's like their goal in life is to slam the England cricket team until they're completely and utterly broke. This for me is wrong. Do they not want our country to have success? If they do then they should take a step back. Simply report on the game, be positive and if they feel the need to criticise, do it constructively.
Geoff Boycott epitomises this toxic attitude with negative statement after statement. “He is not as good as he thinks he is,” he said about Eoin Morgan. I'm happy Jimmy Anderson put him in his place, retorting: “that's rich coming from him”. Rich indeed, because if Geoff was playing now, we would limp to 160 in 50 overs and we would have no hope.
The fact is, England did their job against Scotland and are still in this World Cup. Technically, they can still win it. And why not? It's a strange game.
With Mark Ramprakash as the batting coach, I certainly believe England have a chance. “Flair,” “no fear” and “imposing” are just a few of Ramp's phrases and it’s refreshing to hear. It's the mind-set needed for the England batsmen to rack up big runs and chase down substantial totals. Ultimately, this will be the key to sneaking that glorious trophy home for the first time.
We will find out whether they can start doing that against top class opposition when they face Sri Lanka in Wellington on February 28.
#bennyfacts - My advice to England: Watch the movie Dave Bassett England Manager. If that doesn't inspire you nothing will!
