Anderson backs Croft for World T20 role

By Graham Hardcastle

Steven Croft can be a star for England in September’s ICC World Twenty20 tournament in Sri Lanka, according to Lancashire team-mate Jimmy Anderson.

Croft, the 27-year-old Red Rose batting all-rounder, has been rewarded for some excellent performances in all forms of cricket this summer with a place in England’s provisional 30-man squad for the defence of their 20-over crown.

He was the second leading run-scorer in the recent Friends Life t20 group stages with 313 runs from eight matches and had scored two hundreds in the LV= County Championship heading into this week’s clash with Worcestershire at Old Trafford.

News broke of Croft’s inclusion in the England party, which needs to be cut down to 15 next month, as he took three wickets with his ever-improving off-spin against the Pears on Wednesday, while he finished the opening day having also taken two catches and affected a run out.

There can be very few better fielders in county cricket than the Blackpool-born player, who is one of only two uncapped players named alongside Yorkshire batsman Joe Root.

“His form this year has been outstanding, especially in Twenty20,” said Anderson. “He has been a fantastic performer for Lancashire over the last few seasons, and is one of the main reasons why we have reached the quarter-finals and Finals Day so often. So his call-up is fully deserved.

“Whether he makes the final 15 will depend on the balance of the squad. One thing that may work in his favour is that the competition is being played in Sri Lanka because his bowling will come in useful there. He has bowled regularly for Lancashire in Twenty20 as well as being a strong batsman. His displays in both have often been crucial.

“You would struggle to find a better fielder in the country than him. And, crucially, he often produces special moments, which are also match-changing moments. He is also very passionate about winning and hates to get out. He just wants to score runs and do well for the county.”

Anderson has also been named by Andy Flower despite not having played a Twenty20 international since November, 2009 when England toured South Africa. He added: “I’m pleased I’m in the 30. Now it is just a case of keeping my fingers crossed that I make the final 15.”

Croft’s only taste of international cricket has come in England’s Hong Kong Sixes campaign of 2010.


Date: 19/07/2012 13:02:40 by Graham Hardcastle
In: Today | Lancashire | England |