da betsson： England go into their second Super Eights match needing to win this and the next one. New Zealand, however, come off a narrow victory over India
The Preview by Andrew McGlashan at Durban17-Sep-2007
Daniel Vettori, New Zealand captain, will be looking for a repeat of their performance against India © Getty Images
A change of venue for England and they’ll be hoping for a change of form as they target victory to keep themselves in the World Twenty20. But they were dealt a blow this evening when Matt Prior injured his right thumb in the nets. An x-ray revealed a fracture and Prior has been ruled out of the tournament. Vikram Solanki is likely to fill his spot though a replacement is still to be named.England let South Africa off the hook at Newlands with a poor fielding display and another limp batting performance. New Zealand, though, are building after Daniel Vettori marshalled them to an impressive victory against India. They also have the advantage of already experiencing conditions in Durban after their opening match against Kenya.Bat play: England’s top order is causing plenty of headaches for Paul Collingwood. They reshuffled against South Africa by dropping Darren Maddy and moving everyone up one place, but Luke Wright bagged another duck. Solanki is the one remaining option to open theinnings though he will now be saddled with additional keeping duties. It is important to make use of the allrounders. Collingwood admitted he was about to move Dimitri Mascarenhas up theorder on Sunday but said: “The game moves so quickly, England need tothink on their feet.”New Zealand, too, would probably like a little more from their toporder but have the advantage of Jacob Oram and Craig McMillan lowerdown the order to lead any rescue act as they did against India with astand of 73 in 5.2 overs. Brendon McCullum also looked in fine formwhile exploiting the first six overs.Wrecking ball: England’s bowling was impressive against South Africa as Collingwood used his options mostly in one-over bursts, withAndrew Flintoff working up a head of steam and conceding less thansix-an-over. But they appeared to have one bowler to many as JeremySnape was given a solitary over and Collingwood’s medium-pace will beanother option in seamer-friendly Durban.After their lightening start against Kenya, Shane Bond and MarkGillespie have proved expensive in the last two matches. However, Bondretains the ability to provide vital early wickets and there is noshortage of bowling options. Vettori is showing how important goodquality spin bowling can be at offering control.Keep an eye on: The weather. Rain has played its part so far inDurban, but the forecast is promising for Tuesday so fingers crossedthere won’t be any intervention.Shop talk: Collingwood knows the task ahead of England. “Weknow what we have to do from now on – we have to win our next twogames, it’s as simple as that,” he said. “We usually respond prettypositively in these situations and I’m sure the boys will be wantingto do that. We’re not down and out as yet and I’m sure we’ll get agood response from all of them.”Although he is enjoying personal success, which has led his side intoa strong position, Vettori isn’t convinced by Twenty20. “I hopeTwenty20 cricket will only be part of the landscape and not the futureof the game,” he said. “But I suppose we guys have to take this gameseriously too.”Pitching it right: Bowlers have held sway so far and with thematch starting at 10am there will be more help on offer.TeamsEngland (probable) Vikram Solanki (wk), Luke Wright, Kevin Pietersen, Paul Collingwood (capt), Owais Shah, Andrew Flintoff, Darren Maddy, Dimitri Mascarenhas, Chris Schofield, Stuart Broad, James AndersonNew Zealand (probable) Lou Vincent, Brendon McCullum (wk),Peter Fulton, Ross Taylor, Scott Styris, Craig McMillan, Jacob Oram,Daniel Vettori (capt), Shane Bond, Mark Gillespie, Jeetan Patel