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Let’s be honest, some of the pool matches at the Cricket World Cup aren’t the most competitive.
You can be watching the world’s greatest bowlers running down the wicket at what seems to be middle-aged Sunday league players, where the only six in sight is the six pack in their mid-drift.
It is difficult to see countries such as Afghanistan, Scotland, United Arab Emirates, Zimbabwe and Ireland getting too far in the tournament. However, upsets do occur as we saw in the 2007 World Cup when Ireland beat Pakistan.
Teams to look out for in this World Cup are New Zealand and Sri Lanka. Although both Bangladesh and West Indies can cause havoc on their day, it is New Zealand and Sri Lanka who have been impressive in recent results.
New Zealand have a strong bating line-up in Brendon McCullum and Corey Anderson and Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara is capable of turning any match on its head with omnipotent skill and tantalising talent.
I believe their downfalls will come in the quarter-finals when weak bowling will be capitalised on by the stronger teams.
The big guns
England has had a rough time at the wicket as of late. A recent change in captain from Alastair Cook to Eoin Morgan has left England unsettled; however some subtle signs of improvements can be seen.
One of which is seen in England’s talisman, Ian Bell, who seems to be rejuvenated by the introduction of opening partner Moeen Ali.
With the ball, it is Ali and fan favourite Jimmy Anderson that opponents will need to look out for. Despite this, a history of a poor one-day record and an even worse run up to the World Cup leads us to think England will bow out in the quarter-finals.
India and Pakistan have been unable to match the form of Australia or South Africa. Defending champions India are sorely missing retired hero Sachin Tendaulker, while Pakistan has plummeted in the ODI rankings.
Both countries struggle with fast bouncy wickets and although they will most likely make the quarter-finals we don’t believe they will make the final.
Everyone knows the big attention grabber in the South African line up is AB de Villiers, but the key to their success could be Hashim Amla. Amla is the linchpin of the Proteas batting line-up, and when he sticks around South Africa are sure to score big.
Knowing that Amla is around to be the backbone gives AB the freedom to loosen up and let rip, as he did to the horror of the West Indian bowlers when posting 144 off 44 balls and breaking the record for fastest 50 and 100 in ODI history.
On the bowling side South Africa boast a potent front line with Dale Steyn, Vernon Philander and Morne Morkel but their fate could rest upon the form of their fringe bowlers. Imran Tahir, JP Duminey and Farhaan Behardien are likely to be the supporting bowlers, and how they perform this role could be key to the Proteas’ chances of lifting the trophy.
Australia is looking good; the recent thrashing of England in the ODI Tri-Series spoke wonders in the world of cricket and they are most certainly favourite’s to top Pool A.
Michael Clarke’s injury is a minor worry that has been overhyped by the media. Coach Darren Lehman quelled any speculation of leadership and injury with regards to his captain in a press conference on February 4.
With Clarke leading talents such as Steve Smith, David Warner and Aaron Finch we will undoubtedly post high scores. The equally impressive bowling line-up – Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood – combined with home advantage should take them to the final.
From a pundit and a fan point of view, I cannot see any other final than South Africa versus Australia. The two nations’ lead up to the World Cup has been impeccable with top players setting the cricket world alight with beautiful batting and unplayable bowling.
If the two are to meet in the final it will be a showdown that will go down in history, with intense rivalries across the board – De Villiers verusu Smith and Johnson versus Steyn to name just two.
Whatever transpires, I cannot wait to see some great cricket!
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