Brian Lara considers England 'firm favourites' in home conditions

Former West Indies captain Brian Lara has tipped England to win the Champions Trophy beginning next week.

While disappointed not to be watching the West Indies in action at this year's tournament, Lara - who led his country to Champions Trophy glory in 2004 - insists England have what it takes to go all the way on home soil.

"The ICC Champions Trophy was always one of the high points of my career, especially playing in the final at The Oval in 2004," said Lara.

"I understand that this year's tournament is going to be bigger and better than ever, so it's going to be an awesome experience for the fans and us former cricketers to see who is going to lift the trophy.
"I think in these conditions, England will be my firm favourites. After losing out to the West Indies in the World T20, you look at the team now and they have some exciting players.

BCL, Kagiso Rabada rampage at Lord's

entire top order removed : 20 - 6 

The first time ever in ODI cricket that six wickets had gone

in the opening five overs !!

note to England : can't win CT with such a display

South Africa won by 7 wickets with 127 balls to spare  :-[

England have never won a major one-day tournament

and with their powerful batting line-up and strong pace attack,

this is a great opportunity to erase that glitch in their record.

BUT what happened at Lord's today was truly disappointing!

Like BCL, I was hoping they could go further than 2013

England lost to India (click)

           

BCL, Hinglan needs your help versus Bangladesh  !!!

Oil your Bat !

20 overs left with about 130 runs  ::LOL::