England cricket team joins iPod revolution

By Mark Meadows

GROS ISLET, St Lucia (Reuters) - England's cricket team are using an extra player to give them the edge in the World Cup -- an MP3 player.

Coaching staff have started loading bowling actions on to players' handheld iPod electrical gadgets so they can analyze both their own and opposition techniques.

The dull Caribbean wickets mean England's usual swing and seam attack must come up with new ways of getting batsmen out, such as bowling slower balls and off-cutters.

England bowler Liam Plunkett has been glued to the tiny iPod screen as he tries to learn some tips ahead of their opening Group C clash with New Zealand on Friday.

"I have to practice the next few days but it will be right for Friday," he told reporters on Tuesday. "My swing has been taken away from me."