English side determined to retain the cup

For many English supporters the concept of a national side starting an international tournament as one of the favorites is a novel experience indeed. However the fact that they won the last Youth World Cup, coupled with their recent good form against Australia in the summer and in New Zealand during the spring, means that they are considered one of the best sides in the world at this level.

After practice yesterday Tim Boon, the English Coach, was in an upbeat mood despite the fact that the rain in Colombo has hampered their practice and led to the cancellation of Sunday's match. He is confident that the young squad has the ability to win again, stating that "we are here to retain the World Cup and not to defend it." He went to say "that it's a totally different side, it's a young side and it's a team of allrounders that bat down to number eleven. We have some very talented individuals, and although I don't want to name any individuals, the so called stars will emerge from this World Cup."

One of the potential stars is the batsmen, Ian Bell, who made his first class debut for Warwickshire last season. Despite being young he has already performed for his country in New Zealand and against Australia last summer.

Others to look out for are the wicket-keeper Mark Wallace who has played a number of matches for Glamorgan and is by no means a mug with the bat; The left handed batsmen and slow left armer, Graeme Bridge, who made his first class debut for Durham this summer; David Harrison, the medium fast bowler from Glamorgan and Tim Phillips the left handed batsmen from Essex.

Alex Lousden will captain the team. Despite having not yet made his first class debut, Alex is not worried by the prospect of leading players who have already played for their county. He is a self-confident man who has firm ambitions to play as a professional.

England has been drawn to play in group A, which also includes the West Indies, Zimbabwe and the Americas. If they finish top of the group they will probably also have the advantage of avoiding Sri Lanka and India in the Super Eight stage, both of which are tipped as potential victors in these sub-continental conditions.

Despite the optimism of the coach and the expectations fuelled by the 1998 victory in South Africa the side face a tough task to win again. The conditions are very different from England and will undoubtedly suit the spinners. The sides from the sub-continent have a clear advantage in that they are used to playing quality spinners on similar wickets.

Unfortunately for England their opening batsmen, John Saddler, has been forced to return home due a knee injury. A replacement is due to arrive before the start of the first game on Tuesday.