It would have never crossed the mind of Ricky Martin that the song he sang for the Soccer World Cup 1998, would still hold true after more than a decade, for another sporting spectacle – The Cricket World Cup 2011. As the countdown begins and calendar rolls over, we celebrate the home coming of Cricket – the religion. It’s a sanctimonious occasion as not just the teams but also the fans gear up for what should be a pilgrimage to see some of their favorite cricketing Gods, in flesh and blood.
Right after the 2007 World Cup, there were massive concerns doing the rounds, that the fate of the 50 over format is in doldrums and that it will soon be extinct. Soon comes the twist in the tale, in the form of Lalit Modi’s brainchild, the Indian Premier League. The Indian Premier League came, saw and conquered a zillion hearts across the world and as Twenty20 cricket became a hit, the number of questions on the fate of Test cricket dwindled. Ever since, the fate of cricket has been commented on by innumerable voices on Planet Cricket; leaving the fans, as confused as a child in a topless bar. For the fans, it has been a blame game on the formats of the game, sometimes tagging Test cricket to be too boring and sometimes, the whole lot of purists have questioned the need of the Twenty20s. Amidst all this, we feel that it is actually the One Day Format which has received brickbats and stones and now it has one final chance to retrieve itself from all the ignominy. So can World Cup 2011 prove to be the saviour? Not just that, there is much more to this Cricket World Cup than what meets the eye. It might well be the final dash for a few old warhorses who would want their adrenalin to push them one more time, one final time to potentially take them over the line. Will it be the reincarnated version of Sachin who will reignite, rekindle and recreate the magic of the fateful summer of 1983, or will it be Ponting and his men who will reassert their supremacy and domination over other mere mortals to make it a quadruple of World Cups, or will it be the wounded, battered and bruised dark horses, Pakistan who will try to play the role of party poopers and try to seek the reflection of Imran Khan in Shahid Afridi, in bringing the elusive cup back home?
As we stand a month away from the biggest sporting extravaganza of the year 2011, we take a plunge into the pool of numbers. Right then, we start off with 14 teams, divided into 2 pools this edition. Only 8 (4 from each group) make it through to the second round which frames the knock-out stage. Understandably, 4 take another step closer to glory in the stage called the Semi-finals and then of course, the Finale which would decide the winner of the coveted trophy. Let’s take a look at the two pools first.
Group A
Australia
New Zealand
Pakistan
Sri Lanka
Zimbabwe
Canada
Kenya
Group B
Bangladesh
England
India
Ireland
Netherlands
South Africa
West Indies
After the Valentines’ week, when the Indians meet the Bangladeshis on February the 19, we are sure there would be no love lost, as the former would seek vengeance for what had happened in the previous meeting of the last World Cup. However, the Bangladeshi lions would never want to be bearded in their own den and they would want the tidal waves of the Caribbean islands to continue in 2011 too. And as the World Cup starts off in full flow, there would hardly be any single match that would linger in the minds of the cricket fans for long. Each and every match is going to throw up interesting twists and turns, taking the cricket fans through a roller coaster ride. And before it all begins, let us take a look at the mouth watering clashes from both the groups, starting with Group A.
Group A: Happy-Go-Lucky!
Although this group has both the finalists of the previous World Cup final, it still doesn’t spark off any big problems so as to predict which would be the teams sailing through to the next round. It is not always necessary to judge the level of competition going by the big names in a group, it sometimes can be over ruled by the abundance of weaker teams in that group, which is the case with Group A. More than the weaklings like Zimbabwe, Canada and Kenya springing up an upset, it would boil down to one of the 4 big teams in the group chickening out in an easy bet to entertain any of the minnows. That sets this group clear of any icebergs allowing Australia, New Zealand, Sri Lanka and Pakistan, a smooth sail into the next round. But as they say, an iceberg is only 10 % of what comes to the surface, so it’s advisable for the biggies to be complacent at their own peril.
Eye-catchers:
Feb 25, Australia v New Zealand: The Trans-Tasman rivalry will resurface as both these out-of-form teams will fight to stay above the other in this group. The rivalry which started with a humdinger in 1987 at Indore saw Australia eking out a stalemate over the Black Caps by 3 runs. The numbers now stand at 5-2 in favour of Australia, and the Kiwis would desperately want to end their losing streak in the ODIs in recent times, what better if they have Australia for starters in the World Cup menu. The last time the Kiwis defeated the Aussies was back in the 1999 World Cup but thereafter it has been the Kiwis who have been drubbed over and over again.
Feb 26, Sri Lanka v Pakistan: While everybody talks about India’s win-win journey over the Pakistanis in World Cups, one certainly cannot undermine Pakistan’s undefeated run against the Lankans in all World Cup meetings. The figures stand at 6-0 which sounds more like a half-time score for Brazil against Bhutan in a game of soccer. So going by the trend, Pakistan should defeat the Lankans but wait, the current form of the Pakistanis is not noteworthy. And not to forget, if there’s one side which comes next to ustralia in terms of consistency in World Cups, it is Sri Lanka, though silently.
March 5, Sri Lanka v Australia: They knocked them out in the Semi-finals in 2003. They pipped them at the post in 2007. Is it vendetta time? In 1996, Australia forfeited its game in Sri Lanka. Now will Sri Lanka take this opportunity of playing at home and seek revenge by taming the out-of form Kangaroos making it a repeat of the 1996 final at Gaddafi, Lahore? Or will the Kangaroos make the Lankan lion meow like a pussy cat? The equation stands at 6-1 in the favour of the Aussies, excluding the forfeited game in 1996.
March 8, New Zealand v Pakistan: With the numbers standing at 6-1, the Black Caps would strive hard to reverse the trend, or at least start the process of doing so. What makes this game an eye-catcher is that both the teams will go into the World Cup in poor form.
March 18, New Zealand v Sri Lanka: Technically, this should be the most anticipated eye-catcher of the lot with the Lankans having a slender 4-3 edge over the Black Caps in the World Cups. However, the couple of things in favour of Sri Lanka are the fact that 2 of the 4 victories have come in the previous World Cup itself and not to forget, the hapless sub-continental ODI form of the Kiwis.
March 19, Australia v Pakistan: Such was the magnitude of the defeat of the ’99 final, that Pakistan squandered the game from a winning position in the 2003 edition. The Aussies here enjoy a slim 4-3 lead over the Pakistanis like the Lankans above. While one would want Pakistan to draw level on this front, the ghastly wounds of the Aussie wins negate the wishes.
The Trio’s Mandate: In case you have a really busy schedule and cannot follow each of the eye-catchers, then the trio here recommends not to bat an eyelid during the re-match of the 2007 World Cup final. We assume that this match won’t be a repeat of the previous meet, not just because of the light fiasco (Remember the dark end to the 2007 World Cup!) but also because this is not going to be a lopsider.
Eye-Opener:
March 4, New Zealand v Zimbabwe: It might well be 4-0 in New Zealand’s favour. The closest that the Zimbabweans have ever got to the Kiwis might just be a 3 run defeat. This is where we say, it’s not all about statistics. An upset here might just open the eyes of all those who love to be complacent.
UUP (Unique Upsetting Proposition): Zimbabwe’s potent spin attack.
Group B: Happy-but-not-so-Lucky!
With two of the most feared party-poopers in the form of Bangladesh and Ireland who ousted the two most passionately followed teams in the last edition, you never know which way this pool is heading. While everyone would be juggling with West Indies and Bangladesh to be the 4 quarter finalist from this group, a thcloser look at both these teams and one would feel that they might just push a side over to make their own place. So the big teams like India, South Africa and England who have been floating much above the rest, will be wary; India and South Africa, more so, particularly of Bangladesh. India, South Africa and England, on current form, are perhaps the Top Three teams in the build up to this World Cup. Yet, there is a lot to ponder over and that is why Group B is happy but not so lucky.
Eye-Catchers:
Feb 24, South Africa v West Indies: The first blow is considered to be half the battle won. This is the opening game in the group stage for both these teams and if one looks at their Head to Head record, one can’t stop drooling over the fact that it stands 2-2. With both teams looking to take the advantage, this should be a superb contest. Back in 2003, they played the opening game and West Indies shocked the hosts in a cliff hanger. More reason to drool.
Feb 27, India v England: While India is the financial home of Cricket, England is the birth-place of Cricket. It will be a fight between the two significant capitals of the Sport and the prospect couldn’t have been more intriguing with the numbers stuck at 3-3. Both the teams have scaled greater heights in the last 6 months and they would be keen to stamp their authority over the other.
March 6, England v South Africa: Finally after two Even-Stevens contests, we have the Head to Head record slightly tilted in one team’s favour. South frica enjoy a sleek lead of 3 -2 over the Englishmen in World Cups and the last time these two teams met in a World cup, the Proteas annihilated England, winning the game by 9 wickets. Like the other teams, England would also be charged up to seek revenge.
March 12, India v South Africa: They are already at loggerheads in the Test arena with an intense battle for the Crown of being Number One, in the Test rankings. There’s no love lost in the World Cups either. Although the South Africans are titled as the Chokers, they have managed to choke India out twice in as many World Cup meetings. Now that the Indians are playing in their own den, they would want to notch up their first win against the Proteas in the biggest event of it all, especially after having won the last home bilateral, played a year back.
March 17, England v West Indies: On form, England weighs heavier on the pan than the Windies. These two teams have met 5 times in World Cups with West Indies only managing one win which came in the final of the 1979 World Cup. Ever since, England have thrashed the Windies in every World Cup meeting. The once-upon-a-time titans, West Indies, would want to restore their pride and honor this time but all that would revolve around one man, Chris Gayle.
March 20, India v West Indies: The honor is shared, as both the teams have managed three wins a piece in 6 World Cup meetings. However, these numbers mean little if we say that the last time these two teams met in a World Cup, was way back in 1996. The Windies over the past few years have eroded gradually and that gives the Indians a bright chance to take advantage in this vital group game. On paper and on form, the Indians look to be the stronger outfit and should have a massive edge over the Windies.
(Trivia: How many of you know that India played West Indies thrice in the 1983 World Cup, winning the first game, losing the second and eventually winning the final against them to lift the trophy?)
The Trio’s Mandate: If it is the 2007 Final replay that we recommend for Group A, for Group B, our pick is India v South Africa. Yes, you would have seen them playing each other in 3 tests, a T20I and 3 ODIs by then. Even then, this would be a critical game for the World Cup and not to forget that the Indians would be looking to dress the bruises left by South Africa. Don’t miss out on this.
Eye-Opener:
All Bangladesh matches: With Bangladesh playing all their group matches at home, it gives their main weapon, a coat of poison. Their potent spin attack can be venomous at home and that can help Bangladesh beat almost any side in their group. Their collective spin attack is arguably the best in the world, not only in terms of economy but also in their wicket taking abilities. So watch out for the co-hosts of this edition who may not be as big as the other two but are equally dangerous on their given day.
UUP (Unique Upsetting Proposition): Increased threat of the Bangladeshi spinners at home.
The Race of Eights
Group A Qualifiers:
Group doesn’t look like suffering any upset, as there’s no minnow which looks good enough to trounce a biggie, even on their given day. Of course, strange things have happened in this game but even then, we don’t see Zimbabwe, Kenya and UAE doing any damage to the other four teams.
The Trio’s Mandate: From Group A, Australia, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and New Zealand should sail through to the quarter finals, despite New Zealand’s poor showing in the ODIs played in the sub-continent.
Group B Qualifiers:
As the cliché goes, Group B is the Group of death. While most cricket fans will be vouching for the top teams to sail through, we do not undermine the potential threat that the Bangladeshis pose in their first World Cup at home. This means that one of the Top 4 teams will suffer. To make the prediction look more like an analysis, it will be wise to say India’s consistency, England’s form and South frica’s stereotyped but accurate bowling attack and destructive batting lineup ensures that these three teams will go ahead. On the other hand, West Indies’ over dependence on Gayle and the mercurial nature of players like Dwayne Bravo and Keiron Pollard, makes them most susceptible to suffer at the hands of the Bangladeshis.
The Trio’s Mandate: From Group B, India, England, South Africa will sail through to the quarter-finals and Bangladesh will scrape through as the fourth team in the race of eights.
Australia:
The Army: The defending champions who have already completed a hat-trick, winning the last three editions, will have to pull up their socks to go one step ahead. Historically, the best World Cup team hasn’t been able to frame good moments recently but an Ashes win is perhaps the medicine that might do the trick for Australia.
King – Ricky Ponting: He might not be in kingly form but he stills remains one the most destructive modern day batsmen and the most successful World Cup captain. His main strength of counter-attacking might just be the potion for the flat sub-continental tracks.
Ace – Mike Hussey: His unprecedented form in the Ashes and his outstanding ability to soak in pressure gives him the grand opportunity to shoulder responsibilities at the middle order. While batting first, his role will be crucial in building the innings in the middle overs and while chasing, his cool head will make him an able finisher. Time for Mr. Cricket to be Mr. Australia, all that, subject to his recovery.
Jack – Shane Watson: His tremendous all-round abilities and his success in the sub-continental conditions, in the shortest format will hold him in good stead when he dons the Aussies colors and comes out in title defense.
Joker – Steven Smith: On an average, he doesn’t even bowl 6 overs in a game and he doesn’t even bat for 3 overs per match. Yet, he has got an average of more than one wicket every game and bats with a strike rate of 90 plus. He is neither the premier spinner nor a frontline batsman in the Aussie squad and with Shane Watson being the premier all-rounder, his role is a little under-rated. However, his street-smart thinking will be the surprise package in this World Cup.
Sri Lanka:
The Army: Their shambolic title defense in the 1999 World Cup gave the team a jolt, which eventually helped them raise the bar and ever since, they have been the silent performers in ICC Events. In 2003, they finished as the semi-finalists and in 2007, as the runners-up, losing to the eventual champions in both the cases. Playing at home, Sri Lanka becomes doubly dangerous and the cohesive unit that they are, they certainly have a strong case.
King – Kumar Sangakkara: Shrewd as a captain and sharp as a batsman, Sangakkara has it all to help his side script a fascinating tale once again. His ability to mould his batting to suit the need effortlessly and his sense of responsibility as a captain make him a strong pillar of the Lankan gold palace.
Ace – Mahela Jayawardene: Responsible, elegant, classy and consistent. His batting has been instrumental in all the success Sri Lanka has achieved recently. Much like the team, he has always been a silent performer. What Aravinda de Silva was to Sri Lanka in 1996, Mahela will be that to the team in 2011.
Jack – Angelo Mathews: His supreme form in recent times as his talismanic abilities make him the Lankan jack, who will fit into any role that can be thought of. He is street smart with the ball, an excellent fielder and a busy batsman.
Joker – Thisara Perera: He might not have been around for a long time but the inroads that he has made in this short tenure, have ensured that he cannot be counted out. Two five-fors in just 15 ODIs speaks volumes of his abilities. He is nippy with the ball and his ability to score a quick fire cameo low down the order when you least expect it, indeed makes him the surprise package for the Lankan lions.
New Zealand:
The Army: The Black Caps have been the eternal dark horses of any grand tournament. That has helped them earlier and that should help them this time around as well. Their journey has always been a silent one. However, the biggest speed breaker for them has come even before the beginning of the journey. They have lost 9 matches on the trot in the sub-continent, 4 of them against the so called minnows Bangladesh and a series whitewash at the hands of an India ‘A’ side. Although the Kiwis will easily come into the Quarter-finals but to proceed further, they will have to overcome these hurdles.
King – Daniel Vettori: Arguably the best left-arm spinner in world cricket, Daniel Vettori is also New Zealand’s main batsman. This bears testimony to his all-round talent and to add to that, his astute captaincy, makes him the most v ital feather for the Kiwis.
Ace – Ross Taylor: He might be accused of a slogger who survives between mid wicket and backward square leg but he is undoubtedly the most effective batsman the Kiwis boast of. Brendon McCullum might be the most dangerous batsman but his inconsistency eats into his effectiveness. If the New Zealanders have to go further in this contest, a lot would depend on this man – Ross Taylor.
Jack – Scott Styris: He doesn’t bat as consistently as he used to in his prime days, neither does bowl as frequently. However, he can be a handy weapon for the Kiwis. He is another thinking cricketer who bowls with a lot of smartness. He has got a dangerously deceptive slower delivery and with the bat, his experience will be handy in building the innings.
Joker – Nathan McCullum: He might not be as celebrated a name as the other two in this list but that doesn’t take the sheen away from his smart operations on the field. His frugal bowling and an uncanny knack of hitting the ball a long way can send scares to the opposition camp.
Pakistan:
The Army: They get into one controversy after the other but the magical cricket that they produce somewhere in between makes them a force to reckon with. The best thing about the side is that they recover from a controversy by doing something big on the field. With a lot of doubts as far as the team combination goes, here are the players who we expect to stand out for Pakistan provided they are selected.
King – Shahid Afridi: The most mercurial player who comes to your mind. On his given day, he can bulldoze any bowling attack in the world. But more than his batting skills, he has come into limelight with his smart bowling in the recent times. On pitches where there will be turn, his ten overs will be very crucial.
Ace – Mohammad Yousuf: If there has been anybody who has been as influential as Inzamam the batsman, it has to be Mo Yo. You cannot question his authority when he is on song. If this man features in the World cup lineup for Pakistan, be sure that there will be a lot of stability in the middle order.
Jack – Abdul Razzaq: There are days when he doesn’t bowl a single over, there are days when he doesn’t come out to bat. Yet he is one of the most crucial members of the team if they want to come up with anything magical this time around. As a finisher, he can tame any required run rate by unleashing his flurry of shots down the ground and with the ball, he can be very deceptive.
Joker – Shoaib Akhtar: His fans might take offense on seeing this but he is as mercurial as Shahid Afridi, the only difference being that there are question marks on whether he will be fit enough to play the next match or not. From whatever little we have seen since he has come back, we can be assured that he still has the ability to run through any batting order.
India:
The Army: They’re as romantic as the Greek and they can be as brutal as the Romans. The Indian contingent in their own fort is inarguably the most dreaded side. The lineup is such that even if they play 70 % to their potential, they are a potential threat to any potent lineup in the world. They’re the most celebrated side and the crowd support they get overseas sometimes makes the teams wonder as to who is playing at home. So imagine the support they will enjoy in their own den.
King – Mahendra Singh Dhoni: The long locks have given way to a crew cut. The flamboyance has given way to a measured approach. The newbie tag has given way to the Captain Cool tag. Such has been the rise of Dhoni that he has become the most celebrated captain in World Cricket. His uncanny field settings, inexplicable bowling changes and unconventional moves, all seem to work. As a batsman, he can bat up the order and set up an innings or bat at number seven and finish an innings with lusty blows.
Ace – Sachin Tendulkar: This batting giant has achieved whatever that could have been thought of but personally he feels that the World Cup is the grandest prize he could bring home. This might well be the final dash for him in this grand event and that should spur him on to create the magic again. With almost 1800 runs in World Cups, he is undoubtedly the most successful batsman on this stage. With the World Cup being played at home, with speculations rife that this is his last World Cup, he might well go out there and play his best cricket ever. Whether his panache can take India to the top is a question that would be answered soon.
Jack - Yuvraj Singh: He is erratic, laidback, nowhere close to his shadow many a times, but no one can deny that he is arguably the best timer of the cricket ball and on his day, can demolish any bowling attack you can think of. Filled with brute power and arrogance in his batting, Yuvraj Singh can turn a match on its head. The only word missing from his batting is consistency but, he is certainly a man to be afraid of. As a bowler, he has been very effective and the fact that he is smartly used by captain Dhoni, it's at times tough to say whether he is a part-timer or the fifth bowling option himself.
Joker – Yusuf Pathan: He shot into limelight with his blitz during the inaugural IPL but he had shown that he means business off the very 2nd delivery he faced donning India colors (Remember the six to Asif!). A hundred to win a game against New Zealand from a no-hope situation, a half century in South Africa for a similar cause and then a magnificent ton to send terrors in the South African camp, the ticket to the starting eleven for the World Cup was booked. He might evoke the same scare that Klusener did in 1999 but going by his inconsistency, he still remains a joker.
England:
The Army: It wouldn't be wrong to say that this is the most confident England side to play in a World Cup for a long time now. Everything seems set right from the top to the bottom of the order and there seems to be no complaints from any corner. Terrific performances in recent times have seen a huge transformation in the body language of the team. Led by Strauss and with power packed performers in the form of Pietersen, Collingwood and Eoin Morgan, England seem all set to travel that elusive extra mile in a tournament from where they haven't bought too many reasons to cheer for. Mother of Cricket has waited too long for this Cup, time to get it now.
King - Andrew Strauss: A very committed sportsman and a solid batsman at the top of the order. These attributes help him command a lot of respect over the side. The hard work he has put in his batting to come this far goes to show his grit and zeal to do well for his side. If he clicks as a batsman, be sure that it would reflect in his captaincy and work wonders for his side who aspire to last long this time.
Ace - Kevin Pietersen: When in form, he is a one man army. His tremendous hitting abilities can hit any side out of his way. He might be erratic at times but when in full flow, he can tear apart the best bowling units. His role as a batsman is going to be very influential and if England has to finish in the last 4 or even dream of going ahead, it has to be this man who can do all that for them.
Jack - Paul Collingwood: He is the best all-rounder that the Englishmen have had in a long time. Every side needs a bits and pieces cricketer in this game and Collingwood comes up as such a package. Ask him to be a grafter, he will do that for you. Ask him to be a finisher, he will do that for you. Ask him to bowl a prudent spell with the ball, he will do that as well. And to top all that, he is probably the best fielder in the entire tournament. An asset to the team who walks in as plus 20 runs even before the start of the game, thanks to his fielding abilities, Collingwood is going to be v ery instrumental in England's success.
Joker – Jonathan Trott: A batsman in the classical mould, Trott has done enough to earn him a permanent place in the English starting eleven yet he remains highly under-rated and uncelebrated. He has had an amazing run at the Ashes and in the following ODIs and if he carries on with this form, England will have a great time in the World Cup.
South Africa:
The Army: It's high time now that they shed the tag of "Chokers". Without a shred of doubt, they are a perfect ODI unit who have come v ery close to biting gold but have always thrown it away themselves. This time with a more compact side, they will try and put in measured steps to achieve something they thoroughly deserve to have. This team certainly has all the ingredients in them to baffle any side in the world but it all boils down to holding their nerves in crucial situations. If they come out with nerves of steel, there's hardly any side which can come close to it. Watch out for the Proteas!
King - Graeme Smith: What you see is what you get, that's Graeme Smith for you. He is mighty, strong and hefty. He is one of the most powerful hitters of the cricket ball, a captain who leads the side from the front, he has it all to bring about a change in the poor luck of the Proteas in major cricket tournaments. The most significant feature about Smith is the body language he brings onto the table and that rubs off onto the rest as well. For the Proteas to stay afloat, this man will have to fire on all cylinders.
Ace – Hashim Amla: When he made his test debut, very few thought that he would ever play ODIs. When he played ODIs very few thought that he would survive and now that he has surged to the top spot in the ICC ODI rankings, it is tough to fathom his transition. He is the ace for the Proteas this time around. He has had an amazing run in the last 12 months and he seems to be carrying on and on. Just a couple of months more is what the Proteas would be thinking!
Jack - Jacques Kallis: He is inarguably the best all-rounder, world cricket has ever seen. Being the only man to enjoy a triple of 10,000 + runs, 200 + wickets and a 100 + catches in the two leading formats of the game (ODIs and Tests), he is the source of inspiration the team would look up to. He is the statesman in the South African lineup and would be expected to both bat and bowl in every game. For all-rounders like him, there's always a second chance. They come back strong with the ball when they fail with their batting and vice versa. Kallis is the man who can actually get things going for his side.
Joker – Faf du Plessis: Primarily a batsman, his leg spin will come in handy in the sub-continent too. To add to that, he will ensure that the hole created on the field with AB deVilliers keeping wickets is plugged in effectively as he is one of the best fielders for the Proteas. He can adapt to any situation and use the long handle to great effect. His flexibility in the batting line up gives him an extra edge as he can fit in almost anywhere. He will be a man to watch out for.
Bangladesh:
The Army: If the teams participating in this edition of the World Cup are denoted as King, Ace, Jack and Joker then the Aussies will be the Kings, India the Aces, Sri Lanka the Jacks and we predict Bangladesh to be the Jokers. They have a side which is extremely talented but the problem with them is, they are inconsistent. With all their round robin matches at home, they have a big advantage. To be very practical, Bangladesh needs two good days in the office when they take on the bigger sides to sail into the quarters. There have been talks that even after a decade of achieving test status, they have pretty much maintained status quo as far as their performances go. Time to change that!
King – Shakib-al-Hasan: He has been at the top of the ICC ODI rankings for all-rounders for quite some time now. He has been consistently performing for Bangladesh, victory and defeat notwithstanding. He strengthens the middle order with his solid batting and his 10 overs are not only capable of keeping the runs down but also picking up wickets. Add to that his sharp fielding and a sound cricketing brain.
Ace – Spin attack: This is a different team. There is no real individual who is the ace of this side. Although, people like Tamim Iqbal and Ashraful can demolish the most potent of bowling attacks on their day, the consistency of the Bangladeshi spin attack holds the aces. They bowl their overs quickly without allowing many runs to be scored and before you realize, 20 overs have passed by with 70 odd runs coming from them. This was the hallmark of the Lankan side in 1996 and Bangladesh seem to be following the same path.
Jack – Mahmudullah: He might be the third spinner of the side and the fifth bowling option but there are days when he bowls at more crucial stages than a Shakib or Abdur Razzak. He too has a street smart approach towards the game and a witty brain on his young shoulders. In the lower middle order, he can be as good a finisher as he can be a crisis manager.
Joker – Naeem Islam: A little inferior to Mahmudullah in terms of importance in the side but certainly no way inferior in terms of talent. He does enough to make the starting eleven every time. Very much in the mould of Mahmudullah, he can equally effective with the ball and dangerous with the bat.
Favourites
India
Sri Lanka
Somewhere in between
Australia
South Africa
The Dark Horses
England
Pakistan
The World Cup is coming back to the financial capital of cricket after a decade and a half. During this period, the dominance of the Asian bloc on world cricket has only grown. With so much money pumped into the IPL, the world is expecting to see a lavish and extravagant affair. Plus, with the probability of this being the last World Cup for many cricketing greats of the modern era, being very high, the level of competition should be top notch. It is going to be one helluva ride spanning a month and a half. Watch out for the best World Cup but don’t be surprised if you see a little controversy springing up somewhere.
This article was written by Shirshendu Roy, Kumar Abhisekh Das and Nishant Majithia as a special build-up to the World Cup 2011 and was published in P3.. Not Just Page 3, in it's January edition of the year 2011.
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