ICC World Cup 2019 | England are the best team in the world, states Justin Langer
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Justin Langer feels England are the team to beat in the ongoing World Cup even though their loss against underdogs Sri Lanka has left them in a tricky spot. He further talked about the team’s star batsmen David Warner and Steve Smith and the treatment they have received so far in the tournament.
After a string of excellent displays helped England rack up three consecutive victories, the hosts were expected to pull off another easy win against Sri Lanka. However, it was not to be as the Lions surprised their opponents with a solid display and in the process blew the tournament wide open. Yet, Australian head coach Justin Langer has no doubts about England’s quality ahead of their crucial tie at the Lord’s on Tuesday that could go a long way in determining how the group stages end.
"They are the best team in the world. Just look at their team... nothing has changed in a week. I can't wait for Tuesday -- England at Lord's, World Cup. That is what we are thinking about," Langer quoted, reported News18.
England are filled with talented personnel but vice-captain Jos Buttler has managed to outshine most. The wicket-keeper has scored 197 runs so far in five matches at an approximate average of 40 and is easily one of the most explosive batsmen in the world. Incidentally, Buttler had made his first-class debut when he replaced an injured Justin Langer in the Somerset side.
"Jos is an unbelievable player. I love watching him bat. He is the new Dhoni of world cricket. I hope he gets a duck in this (Tuesday's) game obviously, but I saw him at Somerset and he is an unbelievable athlete and an incredible finisher,” Langer said praising the 28-year-old.
So far, England has had 300+ scores in four of the six matches they have played, apart from the game against Sri Lanka where they could not chase 232 and against West Indies where the target was only 213.
"They (England) have a very strong batting unit and we will have to be right on it,” Langer added.
One of the talking points of the World Cup so far has been the manner in which David Warner and Steve Smith have been booed every time they have stepped up on the pitch. They were suspended for a year from cricket after involvement in a ball-tampering scandal and hence have not in the right side of the fans’ good books.
"Yes, probably but that is OK,” said Langer when asked whether he expected them to get jeered against England. “There is nothing we can do about the crowds or the opposition. We will just go about our business.”
However, the performances by both batsmen have been enough to shut at least a part of the critics. Returning to represent the Kangaroos after more than 15 months, David Warner is currently the World Cup’s highest run-getter with 447 at an average of 89.4, whereas Smith has also scored three half-centuries in the six games he has played so far.
"I did not know Davey that well (before being appointed as Australia coach) but he is good company. His runs speak for themselves. He is smiling a lot. He is hungry. He is playing well. He loves his family. Like Steve, the return has been seamless and they are playing well too, which is pleasing," Langer concluded.
