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The final stop of the World Cup journey for Afghanistan and England is at the Sydney Cricket Ground, where they face off in the first dead rubber of this tournament. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 2:15pm (AEDST).
The Sydney faithful can feel somewhat foolish and now ask themselves “why didn’t we see this coming?”
Why didn’t one of cricket’s most knowledgeable and ingrained audiences realise that this game may not eventuate as the David and Goliath battle the ICC were anticipating?
Why didn’t the game raise alarm bells that it may eventuate to what we find now: a spirited yet limited Afghanistan up against the side that has made abject failure its forte?
Yes, such a statement can appear harsh on England, yet if that’s how the majority of their fan-base see it, then why not call a spade a spade?
In four years’ time England will host the next edition of the ICC World Cup, which will be limited to only 10 teams. Forget the outcry of the people over teams getting axed, England at this point can only rely on host status for their participation – such has been the decline.
They may rise above their ignominy and win one of the most meaningless victories in their existence. Otherwise, Afghanistan can utilise all the spirit and determination they have shown against their other opponents and dismantle a side well and truly planning their hasty exit out of Sydney Airport the next morning.
The key for Afghanistan has been their efforts with the ball, with the likes of Dawlat and Shapoor Zadran, and cricket’s Rambo Hamad Hassan all displaying pace and movement. The Sydney deck that was used for Australia’s game against Sri Lanka was on the dry side, which may also allow Afghanistan’s spin duo of Samiullah Shenwari and captain Mohammad Nabi to extract some purchase. Expect nothing less than total commitment to the cause in the field from Afghanistan.
The real cause of concern is still Afghanistan’s top order. They may come up against James Anderson and Stuart Broad looking to make amends, or against a second-tier attack. As both Samiullah Shenwari and Najibullah Zadran showed against New Zealand, the Afghans have late order batting depth that can accelerate the scoring rate, yet can only be deemed worthwhile if the top order does its due.
Against them may either be the first choice pairing of James Anderson and Stuart Broad, or if Peter Moores and the England management are in the mood to experiment, an attack compromising of England’s next generation. The truth is neither Anderson nor Broad have bowled well all tournament, while the back-up acts of Chris Woakes, Chris Jordan and Steve Finn have all proven limited in their ability to maintain six good balls in a row. Either way, England cannot hope to maintain pressure if their bowling does not pass muster.
News is less dire on the batting front for England, even if their labour to chase 275 against Bangladesh proved a failure. The absence of Alex Hales for large parts of the tournament will be long pondered, while the continued exile of Kevin Pietersen looms large.
One thing is the need for England to begin planning their team to accentuate their players’ strengths, and not fit a team mould unsuited for the players available. This involves Hales opening the batting alongside the classy Ian Bell, while Moeen Ali and Jos Buttler should be in the late middle-order allowed to swing at ease.
Finally, England management must axe Eoin Morgan and thereby not repeat the Alastair Cook mistake – the Irishman still has a bright future for the team if the tough decisions are made now.
More than 12 months ago England would have stood as strong favourites, and still are. Yet the perspectives of both sides cannot be diametrically opposed. England may consider this game as a further impost in a completely humiliating tour, while for Afghanistan, they will wish this journey never stops. At $8, a flutter on the Asians may provide bountiful dividends.
Expect a demotivated England to show what is left of their strength late in the picture. Whether that is strong enough to quell the enthusiastic Afghans is anyone’s guess.
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