Cricket World Cup: Root upbeat despite criticism
Friday 7 November 2014 17:51, UK
Joe Root believes England’s World Cup chances being dismissed by former players could work in their favour.
Sachin Tendulkar is among those who have written off the hopes of Alastair Cook’s side winning the trophy in Australia and New Zealand next February.
The great thing about it is people have opportunities now to stand up and do something special for England.
England have won just one one-day series in their last six attempts and suffered defeats against India and Sri Lanka at home last summer.
But ahead of the one-day series in Sri Lanka next month, batsman Root is upbeat over England's chances.
"There's not an expectation for us to do well, which could work out for us," he said.
"We know we've not been good enough for the last six months and this period now is about getting it right and making sure we're in the best shape possible by February 14.
"The great thing about it is people have opportunities now to stand up and do something special for England.
"Whether it's young guys trying to make a mark or senior guys putting in performances we haven't really done over the last six months, now is the time we've got to do it.
"We've got to stand up, front up and put those performances in.”
