There are hardly any trade secrets nowadays, with players participating in T20 tournaments like the Indian Premier League and Big Bash. But there are still certain facts that are known only to those closest to the players and if an opponent gets his hands on such a source, it can provide a vital edge.
West Indies skipper Darren Sammy is revelling in having what he calls ‘ inside information’ on the England team, given that current coach Ottis Gibson was part of the English setup for a few years. As the two teams clash in a highprofile Group B match here on Thursday, any extra piece of information could give the team an edge.
“ Ottis has a lot of inside information regarding the English team. He has worked with a successful English team, knows quite a lot and the guys respect his opinion. He has helped us pick up on specific weaknesses and we will go out and try to exploit them,” Sammy said after practice at the MA Chidambaram Stadium here on Wednesday.
The skipper revealed that Chris Gayle has recovered from an abdominal strain. The only worry for Sammy was the wicket which is expected to be tough for batting. England captain Andrew Strauss’s concerns are mounting with several of his players down with a stomach bug.
Strauss, spinner Graeme Swann and pacer Ajmal Shahzad have been or are down with an upset stomach and it’s turning out to be a nightmare tournament for them, losing to Bangladesh and Ireland. It’s a mustwin match for England.
“ I think the juices are flowing, there are a few butterflies in the stomach and I think that’s a great sign for us,” Strauss said.
“ We played well in big matches. The equation is very simple. This is the time to go out and take on the West Indies. This is not the time to fear. So I’m genuinely excited about it. We have to go out there and play some really good cricket tomorrow and go through to the next level.” The one clear- cut problem that Strauss has is the form of fast bowler James Anderson, who has had his confidence shattered in the group stages. But the England captain wasn’t forthright when asked about his selection.
“ You always try to pick the right side to win a game. Jimmy had a tough time in some of the games but we all know what a quality performer he is. His name is very much in the mix for selection,” he said.
England came from behind to beat South Africa in a low- scoring encounter by six runs at the venue and they will hope that the happy memories of that performance would give them the much- needed fillip.
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