Wellington, Feb 10 (IANS) Former England cricket captain Mike Atherton Tuesday said New Zealand's Brendon McCullum and Australia's Michael Clarke are the best equipped skippers for the demands of the World Cup in the Antipodes starting Saturday.
Atherton, writing his regular column for The Times newspaper in England, has no doubt that bold approaches will be rewarded at this World Cup.
He said the game is evolving faster than ever, pointing to the "astonishing" 31-ball century by South African AB de Villiers as a wake-up call to team tacticians ahead of the tournament.
"As captains and teams think about their tactics in this World Cup, that performance from De Villiers will resonate. It will scare captains who do not have wicket-taking firepower and it will encourage those who do to think aggressively," Atherton was quoted as saying by stuff.co.nz.
"If you don't get good players out, and if two players are set for the last 10 overs with wickets in hand, then carnage will ensue. An aggressive mindset for captains, thinking wickets rather than containment, will be vital," he added.
"Brendon McCullum and Michael Clarke remain best placed to exploit this shift."
Atherton believed the pitches would "encourage batsmen" and conditions suited the co-hosts.
"Generally, a tournament Down Under would favour the teams from outside the sub-continent, and that principle is a good place to start now," Atherton commented.
"The hosts, Australia and New Zealand, and South Africa look strongest. Then, whisper it, England to complete the semi-final line-ups."
The man who killed Paul Pelosi, the husband of US Parliament Speaker Nancy Pelosi, has been ident
Russia strikes Ukraine and fires fast, 84 cruise missiles; So far 14 killed, more than 100 injured
Russia has intensified its attacks on Ukraine. Russia retaliated against Ukraine on Monday. Russi
Increasing blood sugar levels is considered harmful for the body, it is a problem of diabetes. If
PM Modi in Post-Budget Webinar Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been addressing pre-budget webina
Russia openly joined China on Taiwan, and Pakistan also in support of its evergreen friend
The tension between the US and China over Taiwan is no longer limited to just two countries. Many
No liberty to Marans to approach HC in Airxel-Maxis deal: SC
New Delhi, Feb 9 (IANS) In a setback to former communicat
Attorney general's office comes under RTI: Delhi HC
New Delhi, March 10 (IANS) The Delhi High Court on Tuesda
केंद्र ने सोमवार को एक आदेश जारी कर र
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has taken a jibe at the arrest of Shiv Sena's Rajya Sabh
The Centre's vaccination campaign has divided the citizens of the country into two groups. One gr