St George's Day: England at the ICC Cricket World Cup
England have played at every edition of the ICC Cricket World Cup, reached the final on three occasions and are hosting the tournament in 2019.
They have a rich history at the Cricket World Cup, so on St George’s Day we look at England’s top performers at the game’s biggest competition down the years.
Top run-scorer
Graham Gooch (897)
Former England skipper Graham Gooch tops his country’s run-scoring charts at the Cricket World Cup with 897 to his name.
Gooch was a consistent figure at the World Cup, averaging 44.85 from his 21 innings at the tournament.
His top-score came in the form of 115 against India at the 1987 edition - his only century at the Cricket World Cup – but it was a big one! His knock helped England reach the final that year.
Gooch also managed to pass 50 on eight other occasions, more than any other England player.
Top wicket-taker
Sir Ian Botham (30)
He was England’s leading Test wicket-taker for 23 years, so it’s no surprise at all to see Sir Ian Botham atop of England’s wicket-taking list at the World Cup.
Botham played 22 times at the tournament, taking 30 wickets in the process, including 4/31 – his best tournament figures – against Australia in 1992.
He played in two World Cup finals, claiming two wickets in the 1979 showpiece against West Indies at Lord’s and one against Pakistan in 1992.
High score
ICC CWC 2011; India (338) v England (338-8). Match tied
Andrew Strauss (158)
In what was one of the most thrilling games in World Cup history, Andrew Strauss blasted 158 in England’s tied match with India in 2011.
It was fitting that it also included the highest score by an Englishman at the tournament.
Opening the batting with England requiring 339 to win, captain Strauss provided the backbone to England’s innings, hitting 18 fours and a six as he reached 158 from 145 balls.
In an enthralling chase, England finished level with India on 338/8 from their 50 overs in a famous World Cup tie.
Best bowling figures
Vic Marks (5/39)
Just three Englishmen have taken five-wicket hauls at the ICC Cricket World Cup: Vic Marks, Tim Bresnan and Steven Finn.
Marks holds the record for the best figures by an England player at the Men’s Cricket World Cup thanks to his 5/39 against Sri Lanka in 1983.
Back when bowlers could bowl 12 overs in 60-over innings, off-spinner Marks claimed England’s first-ever five-for at the Men’s World Cup to help bowl Sri Lanka out for 296 in Taunton.
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