Former local cricketer Charles Dagnall is now one of the main voices on BBC radio's iconic Test Match Special team. Ahead of the Cricket World Cup he tells Graham Hardcastle about his remarkable journey and in the third of a three-part series here he gives his predictions for the big tournament

CHARLES Dagnall has labelled England as “cheeky dark horses” for the forthcoming Cricket World Cup.

Dagnall, who started his playing career in the Bolton Association and League, is part of BBC Radio’s commentary team for the competition which kicks off in Australia and New Zealand tomorrow.

He played county cricket for Warwickshire and Leicestershire as a seam bowler in the late 1990s and early 2000s before forging a career in the media upon retirement.

Dagnall commentated on his first Test for the famous Test Match Special programme last summer, and is currently preparing for a whistle-stop tour Down Under for the World Cup.

He is scheduled to cover matches involving powerhouse nations Australia and South Africa, two of his favoured teams for the title, and minnows Zimbabwe no less than five times.

“I think England can be cheeky dark horses,” he said.

“I think they’ll beat Sri Lanka in Wellington, I really do. I think they’ll also beat all the Associate nations, struggle against Australia and New Zealand and go through to the quarter-finals finishing third in their pool.

“But it’s difficult to go against Australia, especially with big Mitchell Johnson, he who can’t be named when playing against England.

“South Africa and New Zealand are also teams to watch.

“New Zealand are a bit different this year. Instead of being a team of underdogs, they are expected to do well. They are a serious unit. South Africa, with the players they’ve got, should be in the final as well.

“Then you never know about someone like a Pakistan. They could drill Australia by 10 wickets and then lose to Peru!

“It’s going to be a pace bowling World Cup, it’s not going to be a spinner’s World Cup. It’s also going to be a World Cup for guys who biff it, and that’s what Australia, South Africa and New Zealand do.

“They’re not sexy picks, but that’s what I think.”

It has been a busy start to the year for Dagnall, who also commentated on the recent tri-series between England, Australia and India.

He interviewed Andrew Flintoff shortly after his disappointing spell in the Big Bash League with Brisbane Heat, and the ex-England captain admitted he was unsure about returning to Lancashire colours for Twenty20 this summer.

“I know Fred didn’t have a great Big Bash, and I could see it in his eyes, he was genuinely devastated that he didn’t do better. But I think he can still do a job. I am, however, reticent to say that it will happen,” added Dagnall.