Page 537 of Wisden 2010 describes England's loss to Holland in last year’s World Twenty20. A ‘wretched nadir in the painful saga of England’s one-day humiliations’ is its verdict.
The match report is hard to read – with Holland needing seven to win, a last over with three missed run outs and a dropped catch does not bring back happy memories.
However, what really stands out is England’s line-up that day. James Foster kept wicket, Adil Rashid was England’s new, young hope, and Owais Shah and Rob Key (yes, Rob Key) were failing in the middle order. Not one of these players even makes the squad this time.
Even more damning is the choice of opening batsmen. That day it was Ravi Bopara and Luke Wright. Presumably Craig Kieswetter and Michael Lumb will be given the job for England’s opening match on Monday against the West Indies.
Kieswetter and Lumb will be England’s 17th opening partnership in 26 Twenty20 internationals. My favourite pairing is Ed Joyce and Michael Vaughan. Or maybe Darren Maddy and Vikram Solanki.
England. Your country does not expect.
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