'It will be tough for us' says Ian Blackwell ahead of crucial match

On the eve of England's match against Australia in Port Elizabeth, Ian Blackwell shared his thoughts on the crucial World Cup encounter.

He told me:"We have it all to do on Sunday, but there are still a few permutations for us to qualify even if we lose. However that would be the worse case scenario, we just have to give it our all."

The all rounder continued:" Each game from here on in is a World Cup final! We think that we can beat them, if we didn't then there would be no point in us turning up."

He went on: "Of course they are a quality side as their displays against India and Pakistan proved, but what it also proved is that we have made great strides and have come close to beating them on three occasions this winter."

`Blackie' continued: "The toss won't be that important this time because it is a day game, but whatever we do we have to throw everything at them."

Regarding being selected for the match he told me: " As for my situation, my back is a lot better but I get spasms every now and again. It takes me an age to get loose in the morning. I will be fit for selection but not sure what they will decide to do. They tried Ronnie Irani last game but I can see a spinner coming back in at this ground."

He concluded: "But it will be a tough game for us because they don't give anything away."