Graeme Swann says England have no chance in the 2015 World Cup

Graeme Swann

Former England off-spinner Graeme Swann has openly admitted that his country has no chances of winning the World Cup 2015. BBC Sport quotes the bowler as saying: "We won't win this World Cup".

Shutting the door on the World Cup dreams, he predicts England to stage a fight in the 2019 edition of the tournament provided the youngsters come in with a fresh attacking mentality. The 35-year-old was very critical of England board’s reluctance in infusing aggression to their batting order. Swann voiced his support for bring in next generation batters to boost the chances of posting a higher total considering the batting favoured regulations in one-day international cricket.

"In four years' time, we might have a chance if we get in all the exciting players who have none of the baggage of the old-style brand we play," he added.

Calls for aggressive batsmen

England were about to hand Alex Hales, who not long ago was the ICC World No.1 T20 batsman, an ODI debut in the washed out first ODI against India. However, Swann felt that England are late in drafting him into the team.

"Hales should have been in this side for two or three years. He got 99 in a T20 international against West Indies at Trent Bridge. How did the powers-that-be not see that as the future of one-day opening bat?” he questioned.

The Northampton-born do have the numbers on his side to justify Hales’ call-up. Since 2010, England have posted a total of 300 or more only on 8 occasions (only once while chasing) in 97 innings. During the same time period South Africa and India have scored 300+ 20 times each in 78 and 123 innings respectively. Australia have reached the target 17 times in 102 attempts.

"I used to sit in the changing room and always felt we were so far behind other teams because we play such an old-fashioned brand. Cook, Bell and Ballance are not players who will win you a World Cup. Hales will, as will James Vince, Jason Roy, Eoin Morgan and Jos Buttler. They are players I wouldn't want to bowl at. Players who could potentially get you 360/370 on the board," the ex-international cricketer pointed out.

Can’t win World Cup with Alastair Cook

The bowler with 104 ODI wickets further questioned the technique of England captain-cum-opener Alastair Cook and other senior players who take their own time to build their innings.

"I love Cookie dearly. But I don't think he should be bothering playing one-day cricket anymore,” Swann claimed.

“He doesn't need to. He’s proved a very good point in Test matches. He should just enjoy being England Test captain. Let in the young people who just want to smash it everywhere.

"He's not the guy who should be opening the batting in one-day cricket for England. Vince should be doing it with Hales in a young vibrant team with Eoin Morgan as captain," explained Swann.

Cook’s ODI strike rate stands at 78.16 from 82 innings.