England have nothing to lose: Ian Botham

Sir Ian Botham

Sir Ian Botham thinks that England can take advantage of Australia’s possible struggle to handle the expectations in the opening clash between the two cricketing giants. He feels that England have nothing to lose and that could help the Europeans to stage an upset at the World Cup.

Australia are favourites to lift the World Cup trophy for a record fifth time as they come into the tournament having won 11 of their last 12 ODIs.

In the recently concluded tri-series, England lost thrice to Australia and the host nation have beaten England 13 out of 15 times Down Under.

“Australia are under enormous pressure to deliver at home”

Botham believes that history and form goes out of the window at the World Cup when these two meet in front of 90,000 spectators at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

He said, “These things have a funny way of developing and at the end of the day it's a two-horse race and England have nothing to lose.

“Australia have form on their side but they are under enormous pressure to deliver in front of their own supporters. If England can make early in-roads then who knows.

“Mitchell Johnson has the wood on the English guys, he's a big danger,” added the former England all-rounder.

Captain Eoin Morgan is struggling with form and in England’s last warm up match scored a mere 2 runs. But, Botham expects Morgan to come good against the hosts.

“Morgan scored a brilliant hundred against this attack not long ago, he's out of form but just needs a bit of luck,” he concluded.