Even as Kevin Pietersen flew back to England to be with his wife for the birth of his first child, his team-mate and off-spinner Graeme Swann has expressed confidence that England can win the tournament.

Swann said that for the first time, a look at the team could tell that it meant business and that they could win the tournament. Swann said, “It's not all hot air and bluster. I think we've played some very good cricket so far in this tournament.”

Pietersen has been the man responsible for both the wins that England have had in this tournament. Both came in the Super Eight stage of the tournament and that has meant that England is all but through to the next round, the semi-finals, of the tournament, despite having more game to play against New Zealand.

That game against New Zealand is a must-win for their opposition, and Scot Styris minced no words in calling the absence of Pietersen as massive and helpful to their cause.

New Zealand has won one out of their two games in the Super Eight stage and a win here would mean that they tie with England on four points, while the winner of the Pakistan-South Africa game deciding who goes through to the semi-finals.

England is currently second favourite behind Australia to win the trophy, as Totesport offers 7/2 for their win. Australia are heavy favourites to lift the trophy, with Boylesports offering 13/8, while Ladbrokes offers 10/1 for Shane Watson to end as the highest scorer of the tournament. Pietersen’s absence means that Ladbrokes has put him at 50/1 to top the batting charts.