We won’t be a soft touch, says Onions
SEAMER Graham Onions has fired a warning to England’s critics, insisting the team will not roll over easily in the Champions Trophy.
England are expected to struggle in South Africa having been crushed 6-1 by Australia in their one-day series which finished at the weekend. But Onions impressed on his ODI debut in Sunday’s sole victory at the Riverside and the Durham paceman is adamant the side can turn their woeful 50-over form around.
“If people think we are going to be an easy game then that is not the case,” he said. “We are going to go all out. There’s nothing to lose and we’re going in to win every game, that’s the way we’re taking it.”
There has been much fall-out from England’s dismal showings in the shorter formats of the game but Onions warned it would be foolish to discount them.
“I’ve not read the press but if people are writing us off that’s a mistake,” he said. “We’ve just got to play as a team and if we do I think we can beat anybody.”
England begin their campaign against Sri Lanka on Friday in Johannesburg.
The England and Wales Cricket Board, meanwhile, have denied suggestions they are against a proposed world Test championship, due to start in 2012. Haroon Lorgat, chief executive of the International Cricket Council, had earlier suggested that England and India opposed the plans.
But the ECB responded yesterday, insisting they are behind the initiative. “We are fully engaged with the ICC over proposals for a world Test championship and are supportive in principle,” an ECB spokesman said.
The ICC wants to raise interest in Test cricket following the successful emergence of Twenty20. “There’s no doubt a Test championship would be of great benefit,” said Lorgat. “Let’s say you and your mate are South African and Australian – and India are playing Sri Lanka. If the result impacts on your team’s championship standing you are bound to be more interested.”