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World Cup Report CardNasser Hussain (Captain)
Had a poor tournament by his own admission, and felt compelled to resign
as captain after losing the Ashes for a second time.
Scored only 24 runs in 3 innings, at an average of only 8. Will struggle
to hold down his place in the team when a new captain is appointed. 5
Marcus Trescothick
Continued his poor run from Australia into the World Cup, and
again seemed to get found out by the best attacks.
Averaged just 23 when many were expecting the big left-hander to show the
world why he is regarded of one of the world's best in one-day cricket,
hitting a top score of 58. 6
Nick Knight
In what will probably be his last World Cup, Knight did not go out with
the bang that he would have liked.
Just 103 tournament runs with a best of 51, England will now look for a
younger replacement to partner Trescothick at the top of the order. 6
Ronnie Irani
Struggled with the bat prior to the tournament and as a result played only
two games, in which his batting did not improve, although his bowling when
used was effective in slowing the run-rate a little.
Will probably not play much more for his country. 5
Paul Collingwood
Answered England's call for a steady middle-order replacement for Graham
Thorpe, and also all his critics during this tournament. Topped the
batting averages at 45, and also put his medium-pace bowling to good use
when required.
A mainstay of the England batting for years to come. 8
Ian Blackwell
Did all the right things when called-up to the squad for the VB Series in
Australia, but only managed two matches in the tournament due to injury.
Looked to be developing with the bat, and bowled his left-arm spin to
great effect. If he gets fit and stays fit, he will play a big part for
England in years to come. 6
Alec Stewart
Playing in his last World Cup, Stewart proved just why he warrants a place
in the England side at the ripe old age of 39, scoring 136 runs at 34.
Also kept wicket very well, and would have been disappointed not to have
progressed beyond the group stages. 7
Craig White
Recovered from injury in time for the start of the tournament, and would
have been disappointed to make a top score of only 35.
Took 9 wickets at just 19, but is almost certain not to play in the next
World Cup. 7
Andrew Flintoff
Went away from the Ashes tour with his cricketing future in jeopardy, but
worked hard at his fitness and came back stronger during the World Cup.
England's leading run scorer with 156 at an average of 31, and took 7
wickets at 20 apiece. 9
Michael Vaughan
Would have been disappointed not to have carried forward his Ashes form
into the tournament. Scored 139 runs at just 27 each.
Touted as a future captain of the side, and will be a feature of the
line-up for years to come. 7
Ashley Giles
Began the tournament as second-fiddle to Blackwell, and did not really
have time to establish himself once he regained his place.
Will play one-day cricket for a long while yet, in the absence of a better
spinner. 6
Andy Caddick
Playing in his last World Cup the tall Somerset pace-man used his height
to good effect to pick up 8 wickets at 22 each.
England will be searching for a replacement for next winter, if not
sooner. 6
James Anderson
Used his swing and pace to have many top pundits proclaiming him as
England's best bowling prospect in years.
Bowled a devastating over in the win over Pakistan, and showed that the
selectors knew what they were doing in bringing him out of the Academy
early. 8
Steve Harmison
Did not play a game after proving too wayward and expensive in the VB
Series, and will have to work on harnessing his pace and aggression before
he plays one-day cricket for England again.
Matthew Hoggard
Another player who didn't feature in the tournament.
His decline will be worrying for the selectors ahead of a summer series
against World Number 2 side South Africa.
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