England's focus is two points -Vaughan
By Edison Jefford
Stabroek News
March 30, 2007
England's Michael Vaughan (left) and Media Relations Manager of the English Cricket team, Andrew Walpole addressing members of the local and international media yesterday at the Providence Stadium. (Lawrence Fanfair photograph)
England's captain, Michael Vaughan said that the focus of his team ahead of today's Super Eight contest against minnows, Ireland would be the certainty of the two points they can pick from winning the match.
England, who are without a point in the Super Eights stage, plays Ireland today in the second Super Eight cricket match at the newly inaugurated International Cricket Council's (ICC) World Cup venue, the Guyana National Stadium at Providence.
Vaughan, speaking at a pre-match media briefing yesterday, expressed England's desire to come away with the two points they will get if they beat Ireland. He said that the points were crucial for England in the Super Eight stage.
"We know these Super Eights are going to be very very close. We didn't bring any points through with us so we know we have to get points on the board. Tomorrow is a big game for us to try and get two points on the board," he said
According to Vaughan, the English team's preparation for the match against Ireland was the same as if England was heading into a match against one of the higher ranked teams in the tournament.
"We are preparing for the game against Ireland exactly how we would prepare as if it were an Australian team. We've got some footage from their games. They looked a very organised team," the English captain observed.
"Ireland is a lesser nation (cricket) but they deserve to be in the Super Eights because they have qualified so we play them just as we would Australia or South Africa and we are looking to win," Vaughan added.
He indicated that the team, noting the importance of every game from here onwards, was taking nothing for granted and expressed optimism of England's chances of reaching the semi-final of the World Cup.
"This is the World Cup, a huge tournament. We were looking forward to the Super Eights and we know once we play well there is a chance for us to get to the semi- final," he said adding that the team would look to bring their performance to a decent standard.
Asked about the conditions of the pitch at the Providence Stadium, Vaughan made it clear that the English team was a very professional unit that must be able to adapt to any pitch or field conditions.
"We have been playing cricket long enough to be able to adapt," he said.
Vaughan however expressed some concerns at how the pitch might play. "The wicket here looks like it may cause a bit of a problem but we are going to have to adapt to the conditions here and to get through this game. It's all part of being a professional cricketer," he submitted.
He added:"It looks like a sub-continent kind of wicket. We took away quite a lot from watching the game yesterday (Wednesday's Sri Lanka vs. South Africa clash)," the captain said.
Vaughn said that the match today was expected to be a good match once England had a good all-round performance. He said it was his belief that if England did not get it right today, Ireland could pressure them.
"We know tomorrow if we don't get our game in order they will put some pressure on us. We know if we get our individuals playing well, if we get our team playing as a unit then it should be a really good match."
Vaughan said that other than the few glitches as a result of the weather, the team was well prepared. He pointed out that the team was in good shape and good form for the match.
Asked about the possible team for today's game, Vaughn said that they will have a look at the conditions of the pitch this morning before taking a decision on the final composition of the team.