World T20 team guide: England

With the World Twenty20 starting at the end of the month, the Opening Fatsman has the lowdown on every team, starting with…

England

Group: Ireland, West Indies

Pedigree: A humiliating defeat by the Netherlands in last year’s tournament was slightly made amends for by victories over Pakistan and India. Failed to get past the super 8 stage.

Star man: Kevin Pietersen has at times struggled to adapt to Twenty20 cricket, as a record of three fifties in 22 games for England suggests. But he has looked back to something near his best in the IPL and is still the linchpin across all the formats for this England side.

One to watch: After blazing 81* for England Lions, against the senior side, just days before becoming England-qualified, Craig Kieswetter immediatley thrust himself into the selectors thinking. A maiden ODI century on the tour to Bangladesh cemented his place at the top of the order for the World Twenty20 and he has replaced Matt Prior as gloveman.

Strengths: England possess experience and talent in boat-loads. Pietersen, Paul Collingwood, James Anderson, Stuart Broad and Graeme Swann are proven performers at the highest level. And the talented Kieswetter, Tim Bresnan and Ravi Bopara add that sprinkling of flair to the solid backbone.

Weaknesses: A lack of participation in the IPL has hindered the team’s progress. Collingwood, Bopara and Michael Lumb have got more game time this year, but Anderson and Broad chose to stay away. They may well miss the competitive edge the tournament has given other players.

Chances: England are an improving side in the shorter formats and, with their experience, shouldn’t be fazed by anyone. But they have never won a significant limited overs trophy and the best they can hope for is probably a semi-final place.

Best odds: 12/1 with 888sport

Prediction: Super 8