Caribbean success can help Wright achieve World Cup dream
Published:All-rounder Luke Wright is targeting some big performances against the West Indies in a bid to win a place in England’s one-day side ahead of next year’s 50-over World Cup.
With Kevin Pietersen on the international cricket scrap heap and English cricket in the recovery position following the disastrous tour of Australia places are up for grabs in the England set-up.
And with an ODI and T20 series against the West Indies set to get underway on Friday, Wright wants the chance to impress coach Ashley Giles and his new assistant Paul Collingwood.
“Whenever you have a winter like that there’s places up for grabs,” the Sussex star told reporters.
“We’re here to stake a claim and there’s 15 to 16 lads who want to do that,” added Wright.
“It’s going to be tough to break in, but you’re only going to do that from performing well.
“I’ve just got to score big runs, get the nod first, that’s all I can do. It doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed to get a place.
“I certainly want to get into that one-day side. I’m desperate to push for that with a World Cup coming up next year for the 50-over format. I want to be in that.”
The 29-year-old, who is a regular in England’s T20 side, has only featured twice in the longer limited overs format since the 2011 World Cup.
But by producing some eye-catching performances in the Caribbean, the all-rounder is hoping to help England win the ODI series – on at odds of 10/11 with Ladbrokes – and force his way into his country’s 2015 World Cup plans.
England, who are 8/1 to make it a successful return Down Under next year and lift the World Cup hosted by Australia and New Zealand, are looking for a fresh start and Wright is hoping to be the beneficiary of the winter shambles.
More pressing is England’s tour of the West Indies and their World Twenty20 campaign, which they are 10/1 outsiders to win.
But with a determined Wright fighting for his place and firing on all cylinders against the Windies, England could well get the new start they crave after a torrid few winter months.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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