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| Friday, 10 September 2004 |
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England-Zimbabwe clash in ICC Trophy opener Elmo Rodrigopulle reporting from England London, Thursday - The third Edition of the ICC Champions Trophy will be called 'Play', when England front up to Zimbabwe at Edgbason and New Zealand play Untied States of America at the Oval on Friday. On form England and New Zealand should stroll through, unless the glorious uncertainties play for the underdogs Zimbabwe and the USA. This tournament will see some of the best one-day cricketers in action at the Oval, the Rose Bowl and Edgbaston. It is hoped that the weather would remain fine as it is now and not spoil this showpiece like it did when Sri Lanka hosted it previously and India and the hosts had to share the trophy. In this tournament it would be vital for the favourite teams to win the toss and bat. Pressure is what this game is all about and if the teams winning the toss run up formidable scores, the teams batting second would be under tremendous pressure. England the hosts, who have yet to hold aloft the World Cup since its inception, would be looking to the cricketing gods to look benignly on them and at least help them win this trophy. The conditions and the wickets would be to their liking and after their resounding success against the Caribbean cricketers recently, England would be oozing with confidence. Michael Vaughan is settling down in his capacity as captain. His batting form is not what he would like it to be, but he has it in him to come good. All eyes will be focussed on Andrew Flintoff who won the 'One day Player of the Year, award. He is one who can set alight any cricket field with his belligerent batting, teasing pace and amazing fielding. Another to watch in the England camp is Stephen Harmison. He is now bowling at his peak as his form against the Windies and the Indians showed. He picked up a hat trick against India in an power one day series game. This is Group D which also includes the Sri Lanka and England, game on September 17 at the Rose Bowl which would decide who will enter the semis. Zimbabwe's cricket is still in turmoil and they would be no match for England. New Zealand who won the triangular in England recently should waltz to victory against the USA who would be no match. There is hardly anything to fear in the US line up and this game should help the Kiwis tune their games when they play the one-day and Test champions Australia on September 16 at the Oval. The umpires for the England-Zimbabwe game would be Simon Taufel the 'Umpire of the year' and Steve Bucknor. Ranjan Madugalle is the match referee with Billy Bowden the third umpire. New Zealand vs USA - Jeremy Doctrove and David Shepherd. |
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