New Delhi: For England batsman Joe Root recent history, logics and statistics don't matter when the question of winning World Cup 2015 comes up as he firmly believes England can spring a surprise and grab the coveted title it has never won before.
A combination of five defeats in six limited-overs series, injuries to key men and the fact that not a single Englishman made the International Cricket Council's one-day team of the year does not bode well.
However, Root is adamant they can launch a genuine bid for a first 50-over World Cup, starting on their seven-match tour of Sri Lanka later this month.
‘There's not an expectation for us to do well, which could work out for us,' Root said. ‘We know we have the squad of players to do really good things and a lot of young, exciting players. Not a lot of people have seen what they can do yet. Again, that could play into our hands.'
One man who believes Root's optimism is misplaced is India legend Sachin Tendulkar.
He was at Lord's on Friday to launch his autobiography and, when asked if England had a chance to lift the World Cup - which begins on February 14 in Australia and New Zealand - said: ‘Anything is possible in this sport but going by current form I don't think England will be that competitive.'
