Four Ways To Save English Cricket

Ahead of the World Twenty20, Sky Sports’ Rob Key formulates an England action plan

1. FIND A SYSTEM AND STICK TO IT

“Great T20 sides have a way of doing things. You want players to play with freedom, but that comes from knowing exactly what’s expected of them. When England won [in 2010], they knew [Michael] Yardy and [Graeme] Swann would bowl in the middle, [Tim] Bresnan at the death. Find a method that works, and don’t tinker with it.”

2. FILL KP’S SHOES

“Kevin Pietersen was an out-and-out match-winner, so you need someone who’s able to dominate like he can. Eoin Morgan or Jos Buttler could be potential ‘X Factor’ players. Buttler (below) has a wise head on his shoulders.”

3. IDENTIFY THE MAIN THREATS

“He’s out for the ODI series, but if Chris Gayle (below) can get fit for the World Twenty20, the West Indies will be a serious threat; he can win a game by himself in the first six overs. [India captain] Mahendra Singh Dhoni may be the best all-round batsman in the world. Plus, Pakistan can be either unbeatable or terrible, depending on the day.”

4. TRUST YOUR DEATH BOWLERS

“T20 is all about death bowling. If you have two great death bowlers, your life is so much simpler. Jade Dernbach has had a tough time of late, but he can be a death specialist. Chris Jordan’s very good, too, and it’s vital that England use Stuart Broad for the key moments in games.”

The ICC World Twenty20, 16 March-6 April, is part of an unrivalled cricket schedule on Sky Sports

(Images: PA/Rex/Getty)