Tuesday 10 February 2015 12:01, UK
Yorkshire and England Lions batsman Jonny Bairstow believes England’s confidence will be high when they take on Australia in their World Cup opener on Saturday.
England suffered at the hands of Australia in the recent Tri-Series, losing all three games against the hosts in the tournament, but they also claimed two victories over India and then romped to a nine-wicket win over West Indies in their warm-up match on Monday with Chris Woakes taking 5-19.
They face Pakistan in another warm-up game on Wednesday before their big showdown with Australia and Bairstow believes they are one of a number of teams capable of performing well in the World Cup.
He told Sky Sports News HQ: “You look at the series that has just gone – the Tri-Series that was held in Australia – there were so many positives that you can take from that and the way that the guys have gone about the last game against the West Indies, the bowling performance that people like Woakesy put in there was fantastic, and I am sure that he will go into that (the World Cup) full of confidence.
“Ian Bell scoring as many runs as he did in that Tri-Series is also a huge confidence boost for him and something that will definitely stand England, as a side, in good stead going forward into the World Cup.
“I guess everyone is going to be trying their hardest to win it and who knows how tough it will be, especially over in Australia playing against Australia in their own backyard.
“But you look at people like New Zealand and South Africa as well and you can’t forget the likes of India so it’s a very open tournament.
“I’m sure that everyone is looking forward to the way that is going to go and I don’t think anyone can call a winner at this moment.”
Bairstow, 25, has just returned from the England Lions tour of South Africa and he is ready to answer the call should he be required to cover any injuries that England may suffer during the World Cup.
He said: “It’s just a case of working hard. Going away with the Lions before Christmas to Sri Lanka and then going and playing South Africa A in South Africa is a fantastic opportunity to put yourself forward in case there are any injuries within that World Cup squad and hopefully you are the next man in to take that step if someone does get injured.”
As for keeping himself fit and prepared, Bairstow added: “It’s quite easy really. Just go back to Yorkshire and train hard with the guys that have been plying their trade all winter in the indoor school, work hard in the gym and just try and do as many drills and game situations indoors as you can to make yourself as prepared as possible.”
Each and every game of the ICC Cricket World Cup will be shown live on our dedicated channel, Sky Sports World Cup, starting with New Zealand against Sri Lanka from 10pm on Friday, 13 February.
Before then don’t miss our World Cup Preview Show, with Nasser Hussain and Michael Vaughan, from 8pm on Friday on the same channel.
