Consistently Inconsistent

During the build up to the Cricket World Cup it has come to my attention that many of the ex-players I have spoken to count consistency as the most important factor in a team’s chances of winning the World Cup.

So does consistency come with playing more games? Or have the Australians changed the way we rate a team’s success?

Australia have certainly set a bench mark. Their record since 2000 speaks for itself; they have won 149 matches, losing 46 and drawing 3. England’s record is rather different; they have won 70 matches having lost 79 and drawn 2. Although this shows an unhealthy win loose ratio for the England team it also shows that Australia have played 198 games since 2000 while England have only played 151. The usual assumption is the India and Pakistan play many more ODI’s than any other side, but India have played 209 since 2000 and Pakistan 205.

Looking at the stats since 2000 it is noticeable that most teams have played a similar number of ODI games. England have played - on average - about 50 games less than the other major teams. Neil Foster [ex-England bowler] sees the lack of One Day experience as a key factor in their inability to convert good passages of play into victories.

In a recent interview with Ex-England batsman Graeme Hick he picked his top four sides for the World Cup. He decided on Australia, Pakistan, New Zealand and, patriotically, England. He was hesitant to pick England though because they “have been inconsistent and they are lacking experience”. Interestingly he also highlighted a selection policy that he thought hindered the teams development; “The likes of Australia have been preparing their side for two or three years whereas our side appears to have come together at the last minute.”

It is obvious that England have played fewer games than the big contenders for the forthcoming World Cup. But is it down to the fact that our selection policy over the last few years has constricted players from getting to know the One Day game and getting to know the team? The stats give some interesting reading, since 2002 Australia have played 38 players in their ODI team, England have played 58.

The England side have had a successful On Day International period out in Australia, they need to keep this squad together and try not to change things.