Alec Stewart was one of England's finest wicketkeeper-batsmen. His grit with the bat and poise behind the wickets is well-documented. He retired from cricket last year, and as a member of the last England team that reached a final of a major tournament (the 1992 World Cup), certainly knows what it takes to win at the highest level.
Senior Correspondent Ashish Magotra spoke to the man they call Stewie.
What do you think is the biggest difference between England in the 1990s and now?
Well, there is not a very big difference between the two sides. We were playing quality cricket back then as well. Now, what they are doing is playing consistently well and winning. And when you win the team grows in confidence and the individuals' confidence grows as well.
The emergence of [Andrew] Flintoff and [Steve] Harmison over the past six months alongside [Michael] Vaughan and {Marcus] Trescothick will ensure that we will be at a good level for a few years to come.
Everyone talks about Michael Vaughan's captaincy and how beneath the calm exterior there is a lot of steel. Have you ever experienced that?
I played under Vaughan last summer and he has done a very good job. Nasser Hussain laid the foundations for the success that the boys are getting now. But Michael has carried that one step forward. He is of a similar age as the players and is very calm; he's a calming influence in the dressing room, really, but at the same time everyone knows he is the captain.
The new wicketkeeper, Geraint Jones, has impressed in a short time. What are your views on his keeping?
Well, I certainly wasn't surprised. I knew he was a good cricketer. I picked him to be my replacement around this time last year because he is a talent with the bat, a good gloveman and a good team man. And those are exactly the ingredients that make you a very good cricketer.
The rise of Flintoff and Harmison has been amazing. Your thoughts
Well, it's not been easy and a lot of hard work was undoubtedly involved. They have worked on their technique. The talent was always there but now they have the application as well. Now they have been rewarded. They have had a wonderful six to eight months and one hopes they can continue this for four to five years. But, at the moment, they just can't seem to do anything wrong.
Would you say this is the best England side in, perhaps, the last decade?
They certainly play very good and consistent Test cricket, but in ODIs they have struggled. This tournament [the Champions Trophy], however, has been an exception; they have played very well to reach the final. Things are certainly moving in the right direction.
The last England side to reach the final of a major tournament was way back in 1992 and I was part of that team. I believe that was the best England team that I have ever played in. But I believe this team certainly has the ability and capability to be one of England's all-time great sides.
So, is England your favourite for the ICC Champions Trophy final?
Certainly, England are the favourites, no matter who they are playing. The way the boys are playing, they are capable of beating anyone in the world at the moment.
"They are just coming of a very convincing victory over Australia and that says a lot. So, bring it on, we are ready to win!
