WC 2011: Indian cricketers in good form, can deliver, says Srikkanth

BANGALORE - Chief selector Krishnamachari Srikkanth believes that the Indian cricketers are in good form, and will deliver a victory for the country against England in its second World Cup 2011 fixture to be held today.

Interacting with media persons, Srikkanth said: “I think everybody (players) is in reasonably good form and I am confident that team will do well.”

“It is an interesting match and I would say that may (the) best team win. I think we have very good chance, but in one-day cricket anything can happen,” he added.

Inclement weather, however, can play spoilsport during Sunday’s Group B encounter at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. The match could be decided by the Duckworth Lewis method.

On Saturday, a large number of fans watched the Indian team’s practice session. Some blew conch shells - a sign of good omen - and waved India’s national flag.

The winner of the day-nighter on Sunday will not only get bragging rights in Group B but will also carry a lot of confidence into future encounters.

While both teams have few worries about their batting, the bowling is a concern for both sides. India gave away close to 300 runs against Bangladesh, while Netherlands passed that landmark against England a few days later.

India’s in-form batsman Virender Sehwag is expected to play despite a rib injury. England fast bowler Stuart Broad is recovering from an upset stomach.

Both sides have opened their World Cup campaign with victories with India crushing co-hosts Bangladesh by 87 runs while England laboured to a thrilling six-wicket victory over the Netherlands.

The build-up to the game was marred by a police baton charge on fans who queued up for tickets earlier this week.

The match was switched to Bangalore’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium from Eden Gardens in Kolkata due to delayed construction work in that stadium. (ANI)