Having earned themselves some valuable momentum in an otherwise low-key Test and ODI series against West Indies, England launch the ICC World Twenty20 next Friday when they take on Netherlands in the opening fixture at Lord's. For their coach, Andy Flower, the tournament represents an opportunity to correct a poor record in the shortest format of the game.
"We haven't played good Twenty20 cricket [in the past] but that doesn't mean we can't do well in this competition," Flower said in an interview with Big Hitter magazine. "We have guys with more Twenty20 experience now and we have the talent and variety of player necessary."
Aside from a trio of victories over New Zealand last year, England have not beaten a major nation over 20 overs since they squared their two-match series against West Indies at The Oval in June 2007. At the inaugural World Twenty20 three months later, their solitary victory came against Zimbabwe, before defeats to South Africa, New Zealand and India ended their participation.
In total, England have won six and lost nine of their 15 Twenty20 internationals since defeating Australia by 100 runs in their maiden fixture in 2005. Only two players - Kevin Pietersen and the captain, Paul Collingwood - have been ever-present in the side, although their international commitments have meant they have often been unavailable to play in the domestic Twenty20 Cup.
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