New bowling rules play into our hands, declares England coach
ENGLAND bowling coach David Saker expects the latest rule tweaks to make them a more formidable force in one-day international cricket.
Fast-bowlers will now be able to deliver two bouncers per over, rather than just one – a change that should suit England’s Steven Finn, Stuart Broad and Tim Bresnan.
The only immediate drawback is that it may have little effect on the flatter wickets of India, where England are set to begin a five-match ODI series on Friday.
“I think they [the rules] will be in favour of us with the fast-bowling attack we have, definitely in English conditions although India may be a little different,” said Saker.
“My philosophy is to do the basics right and our normal plans should still work well, but the big thing is the extra bouncers that will be bowled. If the wicket is conducive then it is going to play into our hands.”
Captain Alastair Cook is expected to return from illness to lead England in their final warm-up match today as they look to restore morale after beginning their 2013 campaign on a disappointing note.
The tourists lost by 53 runs to India A on Sunday – Ian Bell’s 91 in his audition as opening batsman was one of the few high points – but Saker believes England could benefit from the unexpected defeat.
“I think it was a good wake-up call not to take any side lightly and make sure you’re on top of your game,” Saker added.
“The game of cricket has a habit of biting you on the bottom if you don’t get the basics right and we probably didn’t get the basics right [on Sunday].
“We’ll be concentrating really hard to put that right. We didn’t get things right but better to do that in a warm-up than the first ODI.”