shot-button
Subscription Subscription
Home > Sports News > Cricket News > Article > ICC World Cup Rubbish England will need miracle to win title says Hollioake

ICC World Cup: Rubbish England will need miracle to win title, says Hollioake

Updated on: 27 February,2015 08:27 AM IST  | 
Ashwin Ferro | ashwin.ferro@mid-day.com

1997 Sharjah Champions Trophy captain Adam Hollioake frustrated by his country's show against Australia and New Zealand at the ICC World Cup 2015 edition

ICC World Cup: Rubbish England will need miracle to win title, says  Hollioake

England captain Adam Hollioake kisses the Champions Trophy at Sharjah in 1997

Perth: At 43, one would have expected Adam Hollioake to have mellowed down a bit from the aggressive attitude he held as England's ODI cricket captain that saw him lead his country to victory in the 1997 Champions Trophy in Sharjah, then England's first tournament success in a decade. However, he's far from calm. "England are playing a load of rubbish," Hollioake, now settled in Brisbane, told mid-day yesterday.

England captain Adam Hollioake kisses the Champions Trophy at Sharjah in 1997. Pic/Getty Images
England captain Adam Hollioake kisses the Champions Trophy at Sharjah in 1997. Pic/Getty Images 


"England will need a miracle to win this World Cup. They're just not playing well at the moment. They are not looking confident at all and that's the reason they lost so badly in their first two matches (lost to Australia by 111 runs and lost to New Zealand by eight wickets). They have not done well in both the batting as well as bowling departments, so I don't see them going very far in this tournament," added former all-rounder Hollioake, who played four Tests and 35 ODIs for England of which he led in 14 one-dayers.


When reminded that England beat India not once but twice in the tri-series that preceded the World Cup, the former Surrey captain shot back: "Yes, but that's the way it has always been with sub-continent teams. They find it difficult to play in Australian conditions. India played the ODIs after a short break following the Test series and struggled."


'Well done, India'
Hollioake went on to praise MS Dhoni's Team India. "I've been impressed with the way India have regrouped so quickly (after the tri-series) and emerged to beat teams like Pakistan and then South Africa so comprehensively," he added.

Australia is his pick as the tournament's favourite, though. "Australia are playing brilliantly at the moment. They are best suited for these conditions and besides their on-field cricket skills, they have an emotional motivation to do well too — for their late teammate Phil Hughes. I think they will win this World Cup,"
said Hollioake.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!


Mid-Day Web Stories

Mid-Day Web Stories

This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK