Maddy targets WC

Twenty20 / Editor / 04 July 2007 / Leave a Comment

Warwickshire skipper Darren Maddy is targeting a place in the England squad for the Twenty20 World Cup.

After recently drawing the two-game Twenty20 series with the touring West Indies, England are available to back at 8.6 to win the World Cup with the Windies at 16.5 and Australia currently trading as favourites for the showpiece at 3.2.

However, Maddy believes he has plenty to offer after earning a reputation as having a batting style that is perfect for the shortest form of the game.

And the 33-year-old has not given up on his ambition to don England's colours again despite not being selected since 2000.

"It's a game I've done really well in in the past few years," he told the BBC. "To play any form of international cricket should be every cricketer's goal and I'm no different."

Maddy was a key member of the Leicestershire side that won the Twenty20 Cup in 2004 and 2006 and he appears to be continuing that fine form following his switch to Warwickshire.

Under his stewardship the Bears have already booked a place in the quarter-finals following five victories in six games and his impressive form has again lead to calls he should be considered for the England squad which will head for the inaugural World Cup in South Africa in September.

However, Maddy is refusing to think too far ahead and remains focused on continuing his good form with his county, knowing that will lead to a possible England call-up.

He added: "I'm not under any illusions just because I've played well in the past I should be an automatic choice, but certainly I feel if I can do well I'll be considered and thought about. I'm fully aware I need to win more games and get bigger scores and help Warwickshire have a good run in this competition to be considered."