Dubai: England’s nine wicket win over India in the tri-series in Brisbane on Tuesday was a one-off with “India still ahead of England” in their ICC Cricket World Cup chances, according to former England One Day International (ODI) captain Adam Hollioake.
Fast bowler Steven Finn claimed his first ODI five-wicket haul as England thrashed the men in blue with more than 22 overs to spare, but Hollioake warned Peter Moores’ side not to get ahead of themselves.
“India are a very dangerous side on subcontinent pitches,” Hollioake told Gulf News by phone. “But out here [in Australia] on bouncy pitches, when they come up against fast bouncy bowlers like England’s, South Africa’s or Australia’s, they will find it very difficult.
“There’s always a chance, they [India] have been out here a few months and will get used to the conditions. But last night’s [game] was a one-off. I’d still place India ahead of England in their chances of winning the World Cup, but I don’t think they will win it either.”
Hollioake, who represented England in 35 ODIs between 1996 and 1999, said that while England were capable of one-off wins they didn’t have the stability to pull off a flurry of results.
“They [England] always have the chance of winning games as they’ve got good strike bowlers, I just don’t think they are well drilled enough as an outfit yet.
“I think they have got the players and look good on paper, but they still haven’t gelled, they are trying to bring it all together at the last minute. I just think this World Cup has come a year too early for this particular team.”
Australia and South Africa, he said, were the favourites for the tournament, given their stability and familiarity with conditions.
“A few teams are in with a chance due to the pace of the wickets,” he added. “But that’s not the be all and end all. Australia are a good all round side with a higher reason to play after the Phil Hughes disaster and I just think all their stars are aligning for them to become the first side to win the World Cup on home soil.
“South Africa will mount a serious challenge to that because they are a very good side also. Both teams are well drilled and suited to the wickets. They are also so much more stable, you only have to look at the amount of test players England have been through over the years — 600-odd to Australia’s 400 — to see that we’ve [England] been through a lot more chop and change.”
