England must play power game

Derek Pringle, writing in the Telegraph, believes that with so many new stadiums and pitches in the Caribbean, bottom-handed batsmen and quick thinkers can prosper.

The talk from within the camp is that the length of the tournament, a tortuous eight weeks, means it is important to peak at the right time. That is nonsense, and with teams taking points from the group stage through to the Super Eights, every game is vital. Indeed, England's opening match with New Zealand on March 16 will be hugely important, the winner enjoying an advantage come the second stage.

Liam Plunkett wants to win the World Cup for his ill dad.

'About nine or 10 years ago my dad had a liver transplant, but now there's a complication with his kidney and he's waiting for dialysis. He won't be able to travel to the West Indies, which is sad because it's a big thing for a father to watch his son playing for his country at the World Cup. Everything I am as a cricketer is down to my dad. He was a decent fast bowler for Marske (in the North Yorkshire South Durham League) in his day, so there must be something in the genes. But he's also my strength, a real driving force, and I wish he could be in the Caribbean because we've got a chance to pull off something special."