DUBAI: Former England batsman Mark Ramprakash believes that the current side, which recently tasted success against Pakistan in the UAE, is the best he has seen after Gatting's 1987 team.
"The England team of the last two years have performed very well and probably the best I've seen along with Mike Gatting's Ashes winning side in 1987," said Ramprakash, who has played 52 Tests and 18 ODIs for England in a career spanning over a decade.
The 42-year-old who plays for Surrey will be in Dubai to participate in the Emirates Airline Twenty20 at 7he Sevens on Friday.
"The reason is specifically because of the qualities of good, stable, calm leadership in coach and the captain. Everyone plays for each other and the team and there is a desire to win and always look to improve," Ramprakash added.
On top in all formats
England secured top spot in the ICC Test Championship table and this is the first time, since the current rankings system was introduced in 2003, that England has topped the table at the cut-off date of April 1. "They have a very good chance to be No 1 in all three forms such is the hard work ethics within the set up," he said.
England recently had a successful series against Pakistan where despite being whitewashed in the Test series 0-3, they went on to win the ODI series 4-0 and Twenty20 series 2-1. They are currently in Sri Lanka where they play two Test matches which could determine if England will be the undisputed world number one Test side of the world. Praising the role of the coach Andy Flower in the success, he said: "Flower has a good mix of being hard on players and pushing them to achieve. He is thoughtful and has a good management structure. This shows that all are moving in one direction and he has earned a huge respect in the team."
This is not the first time Ramprakash is visiting the UAE and said he loved this place for many reasons. "I'm really looking forward to the trip. I have been there three times before with Surrey and for holidays. Hopefully it will be nice and warm bright weather. I believe it's a prestigious game to play in and I'm honoured to represent the MCC. The facilities are great and we will be up against a strong side but I'm looking forward to playing with some good professionals selected for MCC."
Giving some insight on the pink balls that would be used for the matches, he said: "I think it retains characteristics of red Duke ball in behaviour. I don't want to have any hang ups, that is. It's a good ball so let's get out there and play."