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England are taking no chances as they prepare for tomorrow's opening World Cup match against the Netherlands in Nagpur – right down to refusing to play ball with the Dutch when it comes to virtual cricket.

Andrew Strauss's team need no reminding that the men in orange caused major embarrassment by beating them in a World Twenty20 game at Lord's in 2009 and they are determined there will be no repeat in the 50-over format – so determined that, according to the Dutch, cheeky requests to borrow video footage of Jimmy Anderson and Co have been rejected.

"The funny thing is there is a new practice facility called 'ProBatter' with a hole in the screen where the ball pops out from footage [of various bowlers so batsmen in the nets feel like they are facing the real thing]," said Netherlands team manager Ed van Nierop. "The boys really like that the England team management refused to give us the footage of the England bowlers, so they must be a little afraid of us!"

What England must be, of course, is respectful. And they are, insists Matt Prior. "Netherlands are a team you absolutely cannot be complacent against," said the keeper-batsman. "We've seen what happened in the past and we don't want that to happen again."

A few weeks ago, Prior was expected to watch the World Cup from home. Then, having been recalled to the one-day squad at the last minute instead of Steve Davies, he seemed certain to open the batting. Now, with Kevin Pietersen promoted to the top of the order, Prior is being cast as England's "finisher" – the middle-order batsman with the responsibility for seeing the team to a big total or guiding them to a target.

"The middle overs in this World Cup are going to be very important, playing the spin and with the seam bowlers using a lot of cutters and slower balls – trying to manipulate the ball around," said Prior. "It is going to be hard, but playing on the subcontinent is something I feel confident about, so I'm looking forward to it.

"The minute anyone says the word 'finisher', you panic a little bit and think: 'That's a lot of responsibility.' But I love being a part of a team, and you want to be a cog in the wheel and one of those that wins games and helps set up games.

"Being a 'finisher' gives you the responsibility, and I enjoy that. I don't think Eoin Morgan's boots can be filled – he's a phenomenal player – but I'll certainly try my best."

If Prior could pick his own position it might not be six. But he knows he cannot – so will continue to give it his best shot, wherever he is deployed. "I've always thought opening suited my game better," he said. "But the way the last couple of games have gone I've found a tempo I'm very comfortable with.

"I don't think, opening, I managed to get that tempo ever – which was hugely frustrating, because I know that if I get that tempo right I can be very, very successful. Right now, this role is suiting me – and I feel very comfortable in it."

Prior averages only 25 in ODIs, compared to almost 43 in Tests. "People throw stats around and say your one-day stats aren't that good," he said "They aren't. But I'm working very hard to improve them."

Labels: Avoiding, Dutch, England, Independent, preview, refuse, sneak, upset

Aberdeen left it late to book their place in the quarter-finals of the Scottish Cup as an injury-time own goal by Dunfermline substitute Neil McGregor handed them a 1-0 win.

The Pars, who dumped the Dons out of the competition in a quarter-final replay two years ago, looked set to hold out for a replay and were unlucky not to break the deadlock when an Andy Kirk's drive was tipped over the bar by Jamie Langfield.

The Dons, who have made a habit of getting knocked out of competitions by lower league sides in recent seasons, enjoyed a large amount of possession against the First Division side but rarely troubled Kyle Allison in the Dunfermline goal.

Aberdeen were given an early scare when Kirk's angled drive flashed past the post after only six minutes before they were forced to make a change when central midfielder Rob Milsom limped off and was replaced by Derek Young.

It took Aberdeen 15 minutes to carve out their first real opening when Paul Hartley's clever cross-field pass picked out Scott Vernon, but the striker fired over the bar.

The Pars were looking far from overawed against their top-flight opponents, although the Dons were next to threaten when youngster Ryan Jack showed a neat piece of skill to waltz past Patrick Clarke before unleashing a powerful left-footed shot, which was confidently stopped by Allison.

Nick Blackman had to be replaced after 56 minutes by winger Peter Pawlett after coming off second best in a challenge with Calum Woods.

Aberdeen almost got the goal their dominance deserved after 64 minutes when Young found Chris Maguire in space on the edge of the area and the striker had no hesitation in trying his luck, with his ferocious effort just whistling over the bar.

The visitors created a rare opening four minutes later when Clarke released Kirk but the former Hearts striker was unfortunate to see his thunderous effort tipped over by Langfield.

And deep in injury time Aberdeen won the match when Maguire's cross into the box was punched by goalkeeper Allison onto the unfortunate McGregor and the ball rebounded into the net to the delight of the home support.

Labels: Eurosport, sneak, through, Yahoo