14 Countries, 6 Weeks, 49 Matches, 1 Dream
The 2015 Cricket World Cup will be the 11th Cricket World Cup, scheduled to be jointly hosted by Australia and New Zealand from 14 February to 29 March 2015. 14 teams will play 49 matches in 14 venues. The format is the same as the 2011 edition: 14 teams will take part in the initial stages, divided into two groups of seven; the seven teams play each other once before the top four teams from each group qualify for the quarter-finals. The format ensures that each team gets to play a minimum of six matches even if they exit in the group stage.
Pool A - Australia, New Zealand, England, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Scotland, Afghanistan.
I) AUSTRALIA: Can they achieve the ultimate glory at home!!
There used to be a time in world cricket when Australia was virtually invincible. Their worst game was still better than a lot of other team’s best. But since the retirement of some of their key players within a short span of time, Australia finally looked beatable. But historically they are one team who have always stepped up when the stakes become high and have consistently able to bring out their best game when the situation has demanded. Despite having multiple captains this summer, there has been no dip in their form. Australia go into yet another ICC event among the top favourites for the title.
Squad - Michael Clarke (capt), George Bailey (v/c), Pat Cummins, Xavier Doherty, James Faulkner, Aaron Finch, Brad Haddin (wk), Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, David Warner, Shane Watson
Strengths – They have one of the most feared batting line ups in the tournament. The deadly opening duo of Warner & Finch, the experience of Watson & Clarke, the consistency of Steve Smith, the calmness of George Bailey, the explosiveness of Glen Maxwell & Mitchell Marsh and the finishing touches of James Faulkner makes for a dream line up. The presence of multiple all rounders would help in striking an ideal balance to the playing XI. The bowling is spearheaded by the ruthless Mitchell Johnson & the accurate Mitchell Starc. As always you can expect Australia to field well.
Weakness – Despite having more than capable bowlers, the weak link remains in the bowling department. Since the retirement of Shane Warne, Australia has never found a spinner who could command his place in the playing XI. With so many match winners around, lone front line spinner Xavier Doherty would find it tough to make way in the playing XI.
Surprise Package – Josh Hazlewood has had a good start to his international career. He could well prove to be a match winner at the big stage if he is able to hold his nerve and do the basics right.
Injury Concerns- Michael Clarke latest update says he is on track and should be available sometime in the group stage and James Faulkner injured himself in the last game of trie series due to moderate grade abdominal muscle strain, he is sure to miss the opening game of the World Cup. A good finisher with the bat alongside reasonably good death bowling skills makes the latter an integral part of their XI.
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Likely Starting XI – 1) D Warner, 2) A Finch, 3) S Watson, 4) S Smith, 5) G Bailey, 6) G Maxwell, 7) M Marsh, 8) B Haddin, 9) M Johnson, 10) M Starc, 11) J Hazlewood
II) NEW ZEALAND: Consistent Dark horses look rare favorites
The Kiwis have always been the side who has just about enough depth and firepower to spring in a surprise victory here and there. Historically they have performed well in previous WC editions, making it to the top 4 on six occasions. You generally tend to associate the term “blow hot blow cold” with the Kiwis, but in the last twelve months or so they have raised the bar with some consistent and spectacular performances.
Squad :- Brendon McCullum (capt), Corey Anderson, Trent Boult, Grant Elliott, Martin Guptill, Tom Latham, Mitchell McClenaghan, Nathan McCullum, Kyle Mills, Adam Milne, Luke Ronchi (wk), Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Dan Vettori and Kane Williamson
Strengths – The aggressive captaincy and the form of Brendon Mc Cullum has been instrumental to their success in the recent past. The dependable Kane Williamson, the experienced Ross Taylor, and the aggressive Corey Anderson make their batting look formidable. The swing of Trent Boult, the accuracy of Tim Southee, the variations of Mitchell Clenaghan & the raw pace of Adam Milne alongside the experienced duo, Daniel Vettori & Kyle Mills give them the perfect mix to pick the best starting XI depending on the conditions.
Weakness – The only tangible weakness, they have is the form of their opening batsmen. But in the last game Martin Guptill got a few runs, that should give them some confidence. Their biggest challenge would be to maintain their ace game and how they cope up with their new “favourites” tag at this mega event. Have the co-hosts peaked too early!?
Surprise Package - Grant Elliot is not known to many, but he could be handy with his all round abilities and prove to be a match winner.
Likely Starting XI – 1) M Guptill, 2) B Mc Cullum, 3) K Williamson, 4) R Taylor, 5) G Elliot, 6) C Anderson, 7) L Ronchi, 8) D Vettori, 9) T Southee, 10) T Boult, 11) K Mills
III) ENGLAND : Do they believe they have it in them to be Champions !!
The last time they made it to the top four it was way back in 1992. A lot about the game has changed since then. Back in the day, the game was played by the book. Nowadays with the willow being made ever so batsmen friendly even edges fly away for six. Does the English way of playing cricket allow the impact players to play with that kind of freedom?! Their build up to the World Cup has been far from satisfactory with the team barely winning anything. As they say better late than never, they finally sacked their out of form captain Alistair Cook and replaced him with the unconventional Eoin Morgan. Can he do something out of the box to reverse the fortune of his team?!
Squad - Eoin Morgan (capt), James Anderson, Joe Root, Moeen Ali, Ian Bell, Ravi Bopara, Stuart Broad, Steven Finn, Jos Buttler (wk), James Taylor, Gary Ballance, Alex Hales, James Tredwell, Chris Woakes and Chris Jordan.
Strengths – The experienced trio of James Anderson, Stuart Broad and Steven Finn makes for a quality fast bowling attack. The lights of Eoin Morgan, Joe Root and Ravi Bopara provide ample experience in the middle order. If the aggressive Moeen Ali & Jos Butler come good, England could be one dangerous side to watch out for.
Weakness – England have a horrid time in the recent past, if they are not able to spark something spectacular early in the tournament, they could easily lose their self belief and confidence.
Surprise Package – Moeen Ali an aggressive batsmen and a wicket taking off spinner coule be their X factor.
Likely Starting XI – 1) M Ali, 2) I Bell, 3) J Taylor, 4) J Root, 5) E Morgan, 6) J Butler, 7) R Bopara, 8) C Woakes, 9) S Broad, 10) J Anderson, 11) S Finn
IV) SRILANKA: - Experience Holds the key for the last 2 times Brides Maid
Srilanka will be hoping to win this edition of the World Cup, after reaching the finals of the last two editions of the World Cup, only to lose to Australia & India respectively. Kumar Sangakarra, Mahela Jayawardene, Lasith Malinga & Dilshan have all been a part of this heartbreak twice. They will be eager to break this jinx and give the fairytale farewell to the legendary duo, Sangakarra & Jayawardene as they could in the T20 format.
Squad - Angelo Mathews (capt), Tillakaratne Dilshan, Kumar Sangakkara (wk), Mahela Jayawardene, Lahiru Thirimanne, Dinesh Chandimal, Dimuth Karunaratne, Jeevan Mendis, Thisara Perera, Suranga Lakmal, Lasith Malinga, Dhammika Prasad, Nuwan Kulasekara, Rangana Herath, Sachithra Senanayake.
Strengths – They have the most experienced team entering into the tournament. The fact that this is the last world cup for the three pillars of Sri Lankan batting, Sangakarra, Jayawardene & Dilshan, will give the team the extra motivation to give their best shot to go the distance. If passed fit, Malinga would be their go to bowler in any situation. Angelo Mathews in the recent past has really come of age and has provided the team with some match winning performances under pressure.
Weakness – Much like the experience being a strength, the older legs would be a weakness on the bigger grounds of Australia. The consistency of the fragile middle order has been a regular concern for them.
Surprise Package – Thisara Perera who is seam bowling all rounder, could well be a match winner if he does justice to his talent.
Injury Concerns - Lasith Malinga's fitness is still not clear. His availability could well decide how far Sri Lanka go in the tournament.
Likely Starting XI- 1) T Dilshan, 2) L Thirimanne, 3) K Sangakarra, 4) M Jayawardene, 5) A Mathews, 6) D Karuratne, 7) J Mendis, 8) T Perera, 9) N Kulasekera, 10) L Malinga, 11) R Herath
V) Bangladesh – The Fans Deserve More
Unlike most of the associate nations, Bangladesh Cricket has made a terrific fan following. Despite a solid domestic structure, good facilities and backing from its fans, Bangladesh has underperformed and does not look to threaten any of the big teams. In fact, it will be targeted by the associate countries, who will be hungry for an upset. Shakib Al Hasan, the no. 1 ranked all rounder holds the key for them.
VI) Scotland – In Search of their first win
They have participated in the 1999 & 2007 edition of the world cups. Most of the Scottish have been under the shadow of English Cricket. Having almost pulled off an unlikely victory in their warm up fixture against West Indies, they will be looking to compete harder in this World Cup and register their maiden win.
VII) Afghanistan – Debutants Anxious to leave a mark.
This is their first appearance at an ICC event in this format. The side has maintained the same core group of players for some time and they will be out to prove themselves on the world stage. Afghanistan has always played cricket with passion and has some exciting players with a vast amount of experience.
The Kiwis have always been the side who has just about enough depth and firepower to spring in a surprise victory here and there. Historically they have performed well in previous WC editions, making it to the top 4 on six occasions. You generally tend to associate the term “blow hot blow cold” with the Kiwis, but in the last twelve months or so they have raised the bar with some consistent and spectacular performances.
Squad :- Brendon McCullum (capt), Corey Anderson, Trent Boult, Grant Elliott, Martin Guptill, Tom Latham, Mitchell McClenaghan, Nathan McCullum, Kyle Mills, Adam Milne, Luke Ronchi (wk), Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Dan Vettori and Kane Williamson
Strengths – The aggressive captaincy and the form of Brendon Mc Cullum has been instrumental to their success in the recent past. The dependable Kane Williamson, the experienced Ross Taylor, and the aggressive Corey Anderson make their batting look formidable. The swing of Trent Boult, the accuracy of Tim Southee, the variations of Mitchell Clenaghan & the raw pace of Adam Milne alongside the experienced duo, Daniel Vettori & Kyle Mills give them the perfect mix to pick the best starting XI depending on the conditions.
Weakness – The only tangible weakness, they have is the form of their opening batsmen. But in the last game Martin Guptill got a few runs, that should give them some confidence. Their biggest challenge would be to maintain their ace game and how they cope up with their new “favourites” tag at this mega event. Have the co-hosts peaked too early!?
Surprise Package - Grant Elliot is not known to many, but he could be handy with his all round abilities and prove to be a match winner.
Likely Starting XI – 1) M Guptill, 2) B Mc Cullum, 3) K Williamson, 4) R Taylor, 5) G Elliot, 6) C Anderson, 7) L Ronchi, 8) D Vettori, 9) T Southee, 10) T Boult, 11) K Mills
III) ENGLAND : Do they believe they have it in them to be Champions !!
The last time they made it to the top four it was way back in 1992. A lot about the game has changed since then. Back in the day, the game was played by the book. Nowadays with the willow being made ever so batsmen friendly even edges fly away for six. Does the English way of playing cricket allow the impact players to play with that kind of freedom?! Their build up to the World Cup has been far from satisfactory with the team barely winning anything. As they say better late than never, they finally sacked their out of form captain Alistair Cook and replaced him with the unconventional Eoin Morgan. Can he do something out of the box to reverse the fortune of his team?!
Squad - Eoin Morgan (capt), James Anderson, Joe Root, Moeen Ali, Ian Bell, Ravi Bopara, Stuart Broad, Steven Finn, Jos Buttler (wk), James Taylor, Gary Ballance, Alex Hales, James Tredwell, Chris Woakes and Chris Jordan.
Strengths – The experienced trio of James Anderson, Stuart Broad and Steven Finn makes for a quality fast bowling attack. The lights of Eoin Morgan, Joe Root and Ravi Bopara provide ample experience in the middle order. If the aggressive Moeen Ali & Jos Butler come good, England could be one dangerous side to watch out for.
Weakness – England have a horrid time in the recent past, if they are not able to spark something spectacular early in the tournament, they could easily lose their self belief and confidence.
Surprise Package – Moeen Ali an aggressive batsmen and a wicket taking off spinner coule be their X factor.
Likely Starting XI – 1) M Ali, 2) I Bell, 3) J Taylor, 4) J Root, 5) E Morgan, 6) J Butler, 7) R Bopara, 8) C Woakes, 9) S Broad, 10) J Anderson, 11) S Finn
IV) SRILANKA: - Experience Holds the key for the last 2 times Brides Maid
Srilanka will be hoping to win this edition of the World Cup, after reaching the finals of the last two editions of the World Cup, only to lose to Australia & India respectively. Kumar Sangakarra, Mahela Jayawardene, Lasith Malinga & Dilshan have all been a part of this heartbreak twice. They will be eager to break this jinx and give the fairytale farewell to the legendary duo, Sangakarra & Jayawardene as they could in the T20 format.
Squad - Angelo Mathews (capt), Tillakaratne Dilshan, Kumar Sangakkara (wk), Mahela Jayawardene, Lahiru Thirimanne, Dinesh Chandimal, Dimuth Karunaratne, Jeevan Mendis, Thisara Perera, Suranga Lakmal, Lasith Malinga, Dhammika Prasad, Nuwan Kulasekara, Rangana Herath, Sachithra Senanayake.
Strengths – They have the most experienced team entering into the tournament. The fact that this is the last world cup for the three pillars of Sri Lankan batting, Sangakarra, Jayawardene & Dilshan, will give the team the extra motivation to give their best shot to go the distance. If passed fit, Malinga would be their go to bowler in any situation. Angelo Mathews in the recent past has really come of age and has provided the team with some match winning performances under pressure.
Weakness – Much like the experience being a strength, the older legs would be a weakness on the bigger grounds of Australia. The consistency of the fragile middle order has been a regular concern for them.
Surprise Package – Thisara Perera who is seam bowling all rounder, could well be a match winner if he does justice to his talent.
Injury Concerns - Lasith Malinga's fitness is still not clear. His availability could well decide how far Sri Lanka go in the tournament.
Likely Starting XI- 1) T Dilshan, 2) L Thirimanne, 3) K Sangakarra, 4) M Jayawardene, 5) A Mathews, 6) D Karuratne, 7) J Mendis, 8) T Perera, 9) N Kulasekera, 10) L Malinga, 11) R Herath
V) Bangladesh – The Fans Deserve More
Unlike most of the associate nations, Bangladesh Cricket has made a terrific fan following. Despite a solid domestic structure, good facilities and backing from its fans, Bangladesh has underperformed and does not look to threaten any of the big teams. In fact, it will be targeted by the associate countries, who will be hungry for an upset. Shakib Al Hasan, the no. 1 ranked all rounder holds the key for them.
VI) Scotland – In Search of their first win
They have participated in the 1999 & 2007 edition of the world cups. Most of the Scottish have been under the shadow of English Cricket. Having almost pulled off an unlikely victory in their warm up fixture against West Indies, they will be looking to compete harder in this World Cup and register their maiden win.
VII) Afghanistan – Debutants Anxious to leave a mark.
This is their first appearance at an ICC event in this format. The side has maintained the same core group of players for some time and they will be out to prove themselves on the world stage. Afghanistan has always played cricket with passion and has some exciting players with a vast amount of experience.
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