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England ready to dethrone India: Pollock
Shaun Pollock believes England are ready to challenge India's number one status following their sensational all-round display against Australia.
- Press Trust of India
- Updated: January 05, 2011 09:36 AM IST
Read Time:2 min
London:
"England have got a great squad - they've got a really settled line-up. All those guys know their role in the side and there's real strength in depth too, because you've got players like Eoin Morgan on the sidelines as well.
"Everyone has contributed in Australia but these are players that have played together for a long time and know each other's games well. They're feeling comfortable with each other, they're feeling comfortable with the way they play and they're feeling comfortable that they can get through pressure scenarios," Pollock was quoted as saying by 'Daily Mirror'.
The South African legend has spent most of his winter watching his home country slug it out with India in the race for top spot in the ICC world rankings.
But after watching the settled nature of England, who lie third in the rankings, the former Proteas pacer was convinced that Andrew Strauss's men have it in them to cement their position as the numero uno side in Test cricket.
"In the early part of my career, England would do a lot a chopping and changing, that's not really happening any more. Instead you could easily pick England's squad of 15 before any tour.
"If you look at the side there are certain players that you can rely on to perform day in, day out. Graeme Swann is a classic example of someone who has benefited - England found a spinner, backed him and are reaping the rewards," Pollock said.
Pollock also said that it's going to be difficult for the Australians to dominate like they did in the past.
"I don't think Australia will ever just make up the numbers. We're going to see a number of teams capable of taking Test and one-day cricket by the scruff of the neck. There are probably four or five teams capable of that," he added.
England's total domination of their arch rivals in the ongoing Ashes support Pollock's thoughts.
Former South Africa captain Shaun Pollock believes England are ready to challenge India's number one status following their sensational all-round display against Australia in the Ashes Down Under."England have got a great squad - they've got a really settled line-up. All those guys know their role in the side and there's real strength in depth too, because you've got players like Eoin Morgan on the sidelines as well.
"Everyone has contributed in Australia but these are players that have played together for a long time and know each other's games well. They're feeling comfortable with each other, they're feeling comfortable with the way they play and they're feeling comfortable that they can get through pressure scenarios," Pollock was quoted as saying by 'Daily Mirror'.
The South African legend has spent most of his winter watching his home country slug it out with India in the race for top spot in the ICC world rankings.
But after watching the settled nature of England, who lie third in the rankings, the former Proteas pacer was convinced that Andrew Strauss's men have it in them to cement their position as the numero uno side in Test cricket.
"In the early part of my career, England would do a lot a chopping and changing, that's not really happening any more. Instead you could easily pick England's squad of 15 before any tour.
"If you look at the side there are certain players that you can rely on to perform day in, day out. Graeme Swann is a classic example of someone who has benefited - England found a spinner, backed him and are reaping the rewards," Pollock said.
Pollock also said that it's going to be difficult for the Australians to dominate like they did in the past.
"I don't think Australia will ever just make up the numbers. We're going to see a number of teams capable of taking Test and one-day cricket by the scruff of the neck. There are probably four or five teams capable of that," he added.
England's total domination of their arch rivals in the ongoing Ashes support Pollock's thoughts.
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