England primed for surprise win

Well, who'd have thought it - England in the final of a one-day tournament? Well, not quite one-day, but Twenty20, yet against all odds they totally deserve their place in Sunday's final against the all-conquering Australians.

I saw all-conquering, but then the World Twenty20 is the only event the Australians actually have not won, and they almost went out to Pakistan in the semi-finals, only for an astonishing innings from Michael Hussey to get them over the line.

As i always say, the best chance to catch Australia cold is early on but once they are intotheir stride, then it becomes awfully difficult to stop them. Bet365 make Australia 4/7 to win it, while England are 6/4.

England have probably been the revelation of the tournament, with their two spinners - Graeme Swann and Michael Yardy - showing that the slow bowlers have a huge role to play in this format of the game.

With Kevin Pietersen looking back in top form, and with the joy of being a new father still fresh in his memory, England look like they actually have a chance, something you would not have thought a few months ago, even though I had a hunch they would do well, as you may remember from the outright preview.

The presence of a decent opening partnership has revolutionised them into a decent side in this form of cricket - which bodes well for one-dayers to come - with CVraig Kieswetter and Michael Lumb taking deserved accolades.

In theory, Australia have the edge but this tournament has been about England's emergence as a force and maybe, just maybe, they can crown it with a surprise victory.