Lara backs hosts to win trophy

London, May 26 

Former West Indies captain Brian Lara has tipped England to win the Champions Trophy beginning next week. While disappointed at West Indies failing to make the cut for the tournament, Lara feels England have what it takes to go all the way on home soil.

“The Champions Trophy was always one of the high points of my career, especially playing in the final at The Oval in 2004,” said Lara. The left-hander had led his country to the Champions Trophy glory in 2004.

“I understand this year’s tournament is going to be bigger and better than ever, so it’s going to be an awesome experience for the fans and former cricketers to see who is going to lift the trophy,” said Lara.

“I think in these conditions, England will be my firm favourites. After losing out to West Indies in the World T20, you look at the team now and they have some exciting players. “England, in the past, would have maybe an Ian Botham or a (Andrew) Flintoff, but now you can look at the entire team and it’s very One-day oriented.

“Today, you look at the England team and you’ve got players playing in the IPL, and players who are astonishing with both the bat and the ball.”

England will kick off their campaign against Bangladesh at The Oval, hoping to go all the way this time. In 2013, they had lost to India in the final by five runs.

Former England batsman Jonathan Trott, who was a member of England’s 2013 squad, is confident about the current team lifting the trophy. “It would have been nice to have won the final in 2013, I still have a few nightmares about that, but hopefully this team can go all the way,” he said.

England have the home advantage but there are some good teams which can pour cold water on England’s hopes. “There’s perhaps a feeling that it’s about time to win a one-day tournament, which would be very nice, and they have been going well in the T20 competition as well. They’ll be going into the Champions Trophy with some good form and some good momentum,” said Trott. — PTI