Pollard looks to coach to plot England defeat

CHENNAI, India (AP):

West Indies all-rounder Kieron Pollard thinks some inside information from coach Ottis Gibson will help his team plot England's defeat in a crucial World Cup Group B match tomorrow.

The hard-hitting Pollard said yesterday "it will be of great help'' to have the services of former England bowling coach Gibson in the West Indies camp as "he can pass on a lot of information about the players".

England are in a must-win situation in their last group match, as they only have five points from five games and have slipped to fifth place in the seven-team group. Only four advance.

The West Indies have six points from four games.

Pollard said it would be dangerous to underestimate England despite an inconsistent performance in the tournament, which has included shocking losses to Ireland and Bangladesh, as well as a brilliant comeback win over South Africa and a high-scoring tie against India.

"They were in a similar position in the Twenty20 World Cup last year and they went on to win,'' Pollard said. "They cannot be underestimated.''

England won the Twenty20 title in the Caribbean in 2010 after qualifying last for the knockout round.

Cautious against England

Pollard said he might have to be cautious against England for the benefit of his team.

"We have to play each bowler on merit. They will have plans to counter my style of batting and I have to concentrate on my game. If the wicket isn't helpful for strokeplay, then it will be better to go for percentage play. It is important that batsmen put the runs on the board,'' he said.

Pollard, who has a strike rate of 105 in 36 limited-overs internationals, said the West Indies are determined to seal a quarter-final place. If he could chip in with the ball, he's more than willing to help.

"The bowlers are doing well. Guys like Suleiman Benn and (Kemar) Roach are doing a great job,'' he said. "I am just happy to fill in. My role in the team, whether it is batting or bowling, is to fill in. I am happy with the role I am playing.''

Pollard said Chris Gayle was fully fit after sitting out the Ireland game with an injury.

"The team management has the full 15 players to pick from,'' he said.