Taylor: England have an unbelievable opportunity to win CWC19
England’s below-par showing at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 could be the catalyst for a title challenge in 2019, according to former batsman James Taylor.
Taylor, who was forced to retire in 2016 because of a serious heart condition, was part of England’s squad which failed to make it past the group stage at CWC15 three years ago.
By his own admission, England were ‘pretty poor’ at the last World Cup, but with the current crop flying high at the top of the MRF Tyres ICC ODI Team Rankings, and having beaten Australia 5-0 in their latest series, Taylor believes England have learnt some serious lessons from 2015.
Match Hero – James Taylor – AUS vs ENG
“Unfortunately we were pretty poor in 2015, but in 2019 we’ve got an unbelievable opportunity to win this tournament,” said Taylor, who hit an unbeaten 98 against Australia on his World Cup debut.
“We’re the No. 1 ranked side in the world and we’ve learnt so much from all the disappointments of 2015, and I think that’s why England cricket is the force it is at the minute.”
While he admits the disappointment at failing to reach the knockout stage in 2015, Taylor was immensely proud to represent his country on the biggest stage of all.
He knows how much planning will be going into next year’s ICC Cricket World Cup from all involved in the England set up.
“I was very fortunate to be in the 2015 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand,” he added.
“It’s something as a player growing up in cricket that you aspire to be a part of – one of those global events. Some of the best teams in the world coming together, fighting for the trophy, it’s a real honour to be a part of.
“There’s so much preparation that goes in, from the players, but also from the staff and management; everybody with the ECB. It’s not just a two-week push before the World Cup, there’s so much in the years before, the build-up, it’s a massive team effort to try and win the World Cup.”
Taylor thinks next year’s tournament provides a great chance to showcase the sport to plenty of new faces across England and Wales.
“It’s an opportunity to spread the word of cricket and everything it teaches young kids.
“Hopefully it will galvanise millions of youngsters to get involved. Obviously it’s a global tournament, they’re going to be watching it on TV and there’s so many platforms to watch this great game on. Hopefully you’ll see the England boys at the end of the 2019 World Cup lifting the trophy.”