Does the England cricket team suck? This is what David Cameron has to say | Cricket - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Does the England cricket team suck? This is what David Cameron has to say

Hindustan Times | By, New Delhi
Dec 03, 2016 11:55 PM IST

India lead England 2-0 in the five-Test series with the home team winning in Visakhapatnam and Mohali by comprehensive margins. David Cameron spoke about the plight of the England team during the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit.

Brexit may have been the main focus as former British Prime Minister David Cameron arrived for interaction at the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit on Saturday, but with an India versus England Test series on, can cricket be far away?

Former British Prime Minister David Cameron spoke about the England cricket team at the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit on Saturday. He named England skipper Alastair Cook as one of the best batsman in the world, though England have struggled in the ongoing Test series against Virat Kohli-led India. India lead 2-0 in the five-Test series after three matches.(AFP)
Former British Prime Minister David Cameron spoke about the England cricket team at the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit on Saturday. He named England skipper Alastair Cook as one of the best batsman in the world, though England have struggled in the ongoing Test series against Virat Kohli-led India. India lead 2-0 in the five-Test series after three matches.(AFP)

Cameron’s opening remarks were laced with reference to the series, which is turning out to be one-sided after starting with a high-scoring draw in the first Test in Rajkot. India won in Visakhapatnam by 246 runs and in Mohali by eight wickets.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Referring to the two countries’ shared love for cricket, he pointed to the plight of Alastair Cook’s team, which is in Dubai on a break before the fourth Test starting in Mumbai on December 8.

Read more | Need to kidnap Sachin Tendulkar to train England cricket team, says David Cameron

With Sachin Tendulkar due to attend the summit, Cameron said: “I hear the Little Master is going to be here later. Given the way the Test series is going, we may have to kidnap him for some extra tuition and training.”

Cameron was ending his interaction when the very last question on England’s struggle came --- why does the England team, now trailing the five-Test series 2-0, suck?

“I don’t accept that for a minute,” he countered, pointing out that India were the No 1 ranked Test team in the world and England the next best.

Cameron praised Joe Root, the team’s main batsman, and skipper Alastair Cook before pointing out to England’s high point, the 2011 India tour when the hosts dominated MS Dhoni’s team, sweeping the series 4-0.

“Many years ago, as Prime Minister, I had the enormous privilege of watching England versus India at the Oval. It was a wonderful, hot summer’s day.

“I was able to go to the dressing room after two English batsmen Ian Bell and Kevin Pietersen had scored centuries. When they score a century they like to have a bottle of lager in the dressing room. It was a very proud moment.”

He was referring to the fourth and penultimate Test, where Pietersen scored 175 and Ian Bell 235. England won by an innings and eight runs.

“There are ups and downs... Any global team would have Joe Root in it. Alastair Cook is one of the greatest batsmen in the world today. Jimmy Anderson is one of the great bowlers,” Cameron said.

Would he like to take away one player from the Indian team to bolster England?

“I don’t want to pick someone and spoil it. You have a very strong team.”

But it doesn’t seem like a contest? Cameron had the last say: “What can I say? Pride comes before the fall.”

Stay updated with the latest Cricket News, IPL Live Scores, and get exclusive insights with the RR vs DC Live Score, IPL 2024 Schedule, match highlights, and more. Explore a comprehensive Cricket Schedule, track the race for the Purple Cap and Orange Cap in IPL 2024, check Virat Kohli performance and stay ahead with all the cricket-related updates on the Hindustan Times website and app.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
  • ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    author-default-90x90

    N Ananthanarayanan has spent almost three decades with news agencies and newspapers, reporting domestic and international sport. He has a passion for writing on cricket and athletics.

SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On