My India Pakistan Encounter !

Being the cricket fanatic that I am, experiencing an India Pakistan encounter live from the seat of a stadium was on top of my bucket list. These days India & Pakistan only play each other in ICC tournaments. In the summer of 2017, the ICC Champions Trophy was scheduled in the United Kingdom. So my wife, Ankita and I, like some of our previous holidays decided to plan a trip to London & Scotland keeping in mind the same. My brother in law, Dakshesh who is also equally passionate about the game of Cricket was in London during the course of this tournament.

The India-Pakistan encounter was scheduled in Birmingham on the 4th of June, which is coincidentally Ankita's birthday too. Just at the sight of the fixture being announced my adrenaline rushed to another level. Getting tickets on the lucky draw of the ICC website seemed even more difficult then winning at the casino. Somehow we 3 managed to get tickets through Bharat Army, India's largest cricket fan support group.

Few weeks before the tournament, there came a rumor that India could pull out of the Champions Trophy. Deep within I knew that is not going to happen, but after the investment in those tickets I got a little anxious. Well, that did not last long. As India confirmed their participation, I got to know our Visa is delayed and there was an outside chance we may have to reschedule our flight. Thankfully we got our passports one day prior to our departure and we were all set to go. 

We arrived in UK on the 1st of June. At the same venue where our match was scheduled on 4th, Australia & New Zealand had a game on 2nd June and it was abandoned due to the rain. There was a strong forecast for rain and thunderstorms on our match day as well. I started monitoring the weather forecast and checking it so frequently like an intraday stock trader.

We had an early morning on the match day, we went in the Bharat Army Bus from London to Birmingham. We reached the stadium about an hour prior to the match. It was cold, but luckily there was no rain on the match day yet. We soon heard the toss was scheduled on time, and Pakistan won it and opted to field first. Shikhar Dhawan & Rohit Sharma got India off to a great start. Soon the rain came in and umpires decided it was heavy enough for the players to walk off. Luckily the rain was not persistent and the rain gods were kind enough to ensure there's a game of Cricket. Although, through the course of the day there were many stoppages. 

During these small breaks, I had a great chance to interact with fans of Cricket from all over the globe. Majority of the people in our stands were Indians, but we had a few Pakistan supports, and a couple of people from West Indies as well. Having some intense Cricket discussions made sure the stoppages never felt long.

India scored 319/3 in 48 overs with all of the top five batsmen making good contributions. Pakistan were given a target of 289 off 41 overs (D/L). The pressure of the high required run rate got to them, and they kept losing wickets at regular intervals. Soon, some of the Pakistan supporters started hoping it rains again and both teams could share 1 point. But well late evening the sun was shining the brightest in Birmingham. And it were the Indian supporters who were dancing away to glory. India beat Pakistan by a comprehensive margin of 124 runs.

Pakistan had a terrible day as both their bowlers and batsmen failed miserably. One of the supporters  with whom I interacted a lot through the course of the game told me that he wishes well for Team India & hopes they win the tournament as he thinks Pakistan Cricket is influenced by a lot of politics and with their current team they have no chance to progress any further in the tournament. And I replied to him "Pakistan is the most dangerous after a thrashing defeat, who knows there could a complete turnaround & who knows what could be in store for them ahead" And what followed was that Pakistan won the Champions Trophy 2017. The rivalry will always be there, but at the end of the day we respected each other's passion for the game and wished well for each other.

With all the pre-match drama & possible setbacks, as they say all is well that ends well. And I lived my dream of witnessing India triumphing over Pakistan on my wife Ankita's birthday, which was the perfect icing on the cake.

Team India Preview - Can MS Dhoni get a Sachin like farewell ?!

For some of you have who may have that question, where is India's Preview ?!. Yes its the last in this edition of 10 Team Previews for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019. That's because all of the other teams play atleast one game before India make their appearance. Infact India's first game would be South Africa's third match thanks to BCCI ensuring adequate time for the players between tournaments as the IPL Schedule of 2019 was unreleased when the World Cup 2019 Fixtures were announced. So much like a Bollywood movie, the hero isn't going to be seen in the first few scenes of the movie.

Alongside England, if there is another team that starts favorites its India. Their win-loss ratio has been 65% since the last World Cup. In this period India has had 9 consecutive bilateral series wins. The key to India's success has been the consistent form of their top 3 batsmen and their balanced bowling attack having the ability to take wickets throughout the course of an inning. 

India's two biggest strengths going into this World Cup is the never say die attitude of their skipper Virat Kohli & their all terrain strike bowler, Jasprit Bumrah. These two have been absolutely clinical for team India across formats .

Hardik Pandya getting back into form after the controversial Koffee with Karan episode was imperative for the balance of Team India. In fact time out from the game has made him retrospect and come back stronger and fitter with better striking abilities. 

Another big plus for India going into this World Cup, is the form of MS Dhoni. There was a time when people questioned his place in the line up, but he has brutally answered his critics with some strong performances. His mere presence at the crease is enough to get the most out of the relatively inexperienced middle order. With his computer like mind having an inbuilt continuously upgrading software, his inputs can be critical to Virat Kohli's decision making as a captain.

The injury prone Mohammad Shami has proved his fitness by consistently bowling match defining spells in the build up to the tournament and is all set to feature ahead of Bhuvneshwar Kumar. The presence of all rounders like Kedar Jadhav, Ravindra Jadeja and Vijay Shankar gives India ample permutations and combinations to chose from depending on the surface and overhead conditions. The recent form of Kuldeep Yadav remains a matter of concern. India's only other major worry is who bats for them at number 4, and it appears that Lokesh Rahul has booked that spot with a good performance in  the warm up fixture. 

Likely XI 

1) Shikhar Dhawan

2) Rohit Sharma

3) Virat Kohli

4) Lokesh Rahul

5) MS Dhoni

6) Kedar Jadhav

7) Hardik Pandya

8) Ravindra Jadeja

9) Mohammad Shami

10) Yuzvendra Chahal

11) Jasprit Bumrah

Bench

1) Vijay Shankar - Reserve All Rounder

2) Kuldeep Yadav - Reserve Spinner

3) Dinesh Karthik - Reserve Wicket Keeper

4) Bhuvneshwar Kumar - Reserve Fast Bowler

Verdict - I expect them to definitely feature in the Top 4.  The presence of multiple match winners makes them strong title contenders.

Team Bangladesh Preview - Can the Experience & Emotion sum upto something Big

Bangladesh enter into this world cup with a strong experienced core of players. Shakib Al Hasan, Tamim Iqbal, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah, Rubel Hussain & skipper Mashrafe Mortaza have all served them for a long time now. 

Since the 2015 World cup, Bangladesh have had an amazing win-loss ratio at home, winning 72% of their games. The playing conditions are going to be lot different for them than what they are used to playing at home. But they can draw confidence from their performance at the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 in UK, when they made it to the top four upsetting few of the higher ranked teams. The format for that tournament was 2 different groups comprising 4 teams each respectively. At this edition of the World Cup, there are no different groups, just one big pot of 10 teams. So the big question for Bangladesh is can their experience & emotion sustain over 9 league games, that's where they're going to be tested.

Likely XI

1) Tamim Iqbal

2) Litton Das

3) Soumya Sarkar

4) Shakib Al Hasan

5) Mushfiqur Rahim

6) Mahmudullah

7) Mohammad Saifuddin

8) Mehidy Hasan

9) Mashrafe Mortaza

10) Rubel Hussain

11) Mustafizur Rahman

Bench

1) Sabbir Rahman - Reserve Top Order Batsmen

2) Mosaddek Hossain - Reserve All Rounder

3) Mohammad Mithun - Reserve Wicket Keeper

4) Abu Jayed - Reserve Fast Bowler

Verdict - They may cause the odd unexpected win, but I don't see them making the top 4

Team Australia Preview - Defending Champions finally look like the real Australia

If ever Cricket had a split personality, its been Australia in the last 4 years. There was one in 2017-2018, where they won only 7 out of 28 games & then the Australia we all are used to seeing showed up in 2019 winning games consistently on the trot. Australian Cricket was at an all time low in 2017-2018 post the Sand Paper - Ball Tampering Saga incident. That was a phase where you felt, Is this really Australia playing !?! But 2019 has been a complete reverse of fortunes.

There was a time when skipper Aaron Finch found it very difficult to make a run. Just as the bans of Steve Smith & David Warner were coming to an end, all of a sudden everyone started scoring runs. Soon their losing streak was converted to a winning streak, It actually felt like each player was making a statement that he should not be dropped to bring back the high profile banned duo.

The kind of form that David Warner has been at IPL with the calmness of Steve Smith has just given Australia the perfect depth in their batting line up. Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins make a formidable pair, the only concern being have they had enough match time. If there is an injury to one of Marcus Stoinis or Glen Maxwell, there is no all rounder available in the reserves as a sixth bowling option.

Likely XI

1) David Warner

2) Aaron Finch

3) Usman Khwaja

4) Steve Smith

5) Glen Maxwell

6) Marcus Stoinis

7) Alex Carey

8) Pat Cummins

9) Mitchel Starc

10) Adam Zampa

11) Kane Richardson

Reserves

1) Shaun Marsh - Reserve Batsmen

2) Nathan Coulter Nile & 3) Jason Behrendoff - Reserve fast bowlers 

4) Nathan Lyon - Reserve Spinner

Verdict - With the kind of form & experience they have on the Big Stage, I expect them to surely make it to the Top 4.

Team Afghanistan Preview - Call them minnows at your own peril

Much like how the progress of Srilankan Cricket was the story of 90s, its all about Afghanistan Cricket in this decade. Considering the situation, funds & the kind of facilities available to them, they are team who have risen against all odds thanks to the passion in which they approach the sport. In last two editions of the IPL, there have been more Afghan players that have featured then Srilankan, that speaks about how they have risen their game. On the big stage, in the last played Asia Cup, they beat Bangladesh & Srilanka comprehensively, had a tied game with India only to lose out on a place in the final due to close cliffhanging defeat against Pakistan 

Initially they were a team where if the conditions are favoring spin, they can cause the odd upset. But in the recent times its their batting that has really picked up & started to show glimpses of brilliance. If you take them lightly, they will haunt you !

Likely XI
1) Mohammad Shehzad
2) Hazratullah Zazai
3) Rahmat Shah
4) Asghar Afghan
5) Hashmatullah Shahidi
6) Mohammad Nabi
7) Gulbadin Naib
8) Rashid Khan
9) Dawlat Zadran
10) Aftab Alam
11) Mujeeb Ur Rehman

Bench
1) Samiullah Shenwari - Reserve Spinning Allrounder
2) Najibullah Zadran - Reserve Batsmen
3) Hamid Hassan - Reserve Fast Bowler
4) Noor Ali Zadran  - Reserve Batsmen

Verdict - I dont see them making the Top 4. But if they can finish mid table, they should be really proud of their performance on the Big Stage

Team Srilanka Preview - Prospective Champions (Only if Lagaan had a Real Life Sequel)

7 new captains, 57 different players, 28 debuts !! That's what Srilanka has done since the last World Cup. They've virtually changed players at the rate at which we have new movies at our multiplex cinema halls. I think even the most die hard Cricket fan of Lankan Cricket would have lost track at the pace at which they have made changes. The only thing that changes faster than the Lankan team is their selection committee.

So is it by chits, by shooting darts or a campaign like "Britannia Khao, World Cup Jao" the way the Srilankan team has been selected !?!  The biggest surprise was the appointment of their captain, Dimuth Karunaratne who last played an ODI way back in 2015. They've left out players they have backed for a long time like D Chandimal, U Tharanga, N Dickwella, A Dananjay and D Gunathilaka only to go back to few players  they had already tried and discarded previously

This should be the last world cup for 2 of their most experienced campaigners, Lasith Malinga and Angelo Mathews. For a country that has produced some legends of the game like Murlidharan, Vaas, Jayasuriya, Sangakarra, Jayawardene, Dilshan, etc its really disheartening to their state of affairs being in such shambles.

So whats their best chance ?! Play fearlessly Cricket with a nothing to lose approach !

Likely XI
1) Dimuth Karunaratne
2) Avishka Fernando
3) Lahiru Thirimanne
4) Kusal Mendis
5) Angelo Mathews
6) Dhananjaya de Silva
7) Jeevan Mendis
8) Thisara Perera
9) Isuru Udana
10) Suranga Lakmal
11) Lasith Malinga

Bench
1) Nuwan Pradeep - Reserve fast bowler
2) Milinda Siriwardene - Reserve Allrounder
3) Kusal Perera - Reserve Keeper/Top Order batsmen
4) Jeffrey Vandersay - Leg Spinner

Verdict - Favorites for the bottom of the table. They could be really dangerous at the back end of the tournament playing party spoilers to any of the other teams in contention for the knockout stages.

Team New Zealand Preview - Resources 1X, Expectation 1X, Performances 1.5X

New Zealand has always entered ICC tournaments as dark horses,or as one of those sides who have enough depth and firepower to upset one of the favorites on their day. They have been one team who has never been reliant on any superstar. Considering their access to funds, resources and talent, an economist would be proud of the way they have optimized the use of whats available to them. 

Historically, they have always packed a punch above their weight having made it to 6 Semifinals & 1 Final respectively in 11 World Cups. They are the only team who have been in the top 4 in the last 3 editions of the World Cup. Under the aggressive captaincy and brand of Cricket played by Brendon Mc Cullum they were just one step away from their maiden championship in the last World Cup.

The top order trio of Martin Guptill, Kane Williamson & Ross Taylor has been their core strength. The presence of multiple all-rounders like James Neesham, Mitchell Santner & Colin De Grandhomme adds a lot of depth & gives them the option to play different team combinations. Trent Boult, Tim Southee & Lockie Ferguson have all been reasonably good when it comes to bowling with the new ball, but for Kiwis I think death bowling is a going to a major concern.

With scores of 300 being breached regularly in England, the white ball playing conditions mirror to those in New Zealand. The only difference between England & New Zealand would be the the size of the grounds, like the area of a drawing room of a house in a metro city versus a tier 2 city.

Likely XI
1) Martin Guptill
2) Colin Munro
3) Kane Williamson
4) Ross Taylor
5) Tom Blundell
6) James Neesham
7) Colin De Grandhomme
8) Mitchell Santner
9) Trent Boult
10) Lockie Ferguson
11) Tim Southee/Ish Sodhi (depending on the how much assistance likely to spinners)

Bench
1) Tom Latham - He is their first choice wicket keeper, should be drafted into the XI, subject to fitness
2) Matt Henry - Reserve Fast Bowler
3) Henry Nichols - Reserve Middle order batsmen. He could easily play ahead of Colin Munro as an opener.

Verdict - Going by their track record, they should make it to the Top 4. But I think they hold a 50% chance to make the Semi Finals

Team Pakistan Preview - Predictably Unpredictable

Pakistan, since their historic and emphatic win at the Champions Trophy 2017 in England, have had an absolute dismal show in this format. In recent times, they've been on a losing spree, having lost 10 out of their last 11 games.

Although the team has been performing poorly, they've had some sheer individual brilliance & sparkling performances. The advent of the Pakistan Super League where the local talent has a platform to perform, compete & share dressing room space with the some of big names in international cricket has reaped dividends. 

For the first time going into an ICC event, I think the Pakistan batting unit looks more settled then their bowling line up. Fakhar Zaman, Imam-Ul-Haq & Babar Azam have been very consistent with their show and make a very reliable top order. The experience of Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik and Sarfaraz Ahmed gives their middle order a settled look. For a country, where fast bowlers were available as easily as rasgula on the streets of Kolkata, there is an uncalled sudden scarcity. From their provisional squad of XV, they dropped Junaid Khan and Faheem Ashraf only to go back to the initially discarded, Wahab Riaz & Mohammad Amir.

Likely XI

1) Fakhar Zaman

2) Imam Ul Haq

3) Babar Azam

4) Mohammad Hafeez

5) Shoaib Malik

6) Sarfaraz Ahmed

7) Imad Wasim

8) Shadab Khan

9) Hassan Ali

10) Mohammad Amir

11) Wahab Riaz

Bench

1) Shaheen Afridi & 2) Mohammad Hasnain - Reserve Fast bowlers

3) Asif Ali - Reserve Middle Order Batsmen

4) Haris Sohail - Reserve Batting All Rounder

Verdict - I'd be really surprised if they make it to the Top 4. But much like the stock market, this is team where lower circuit trends can be reversed to upper circuits in no time, so write them off at your own market risk 

Team West Indies Preview - Can the T20 Caribbean party last for an entire day ?!

The T20 specialists have been completely erratic and relatively inconsistent in the ODI format. They have not won a single bilateral series in ODI Cricket since April 2015. Also the fact that they didn't qualify for ICC Champions Trophy in 2017 & were forced to play the Qualifying Tournament to be eligible to play for this World Cup speaks about how West Indies Cricket has been for the last 4 odd years. So one way of looking at them is that they may cause the one off upset on their day but they are no contenders for the trophy. But I'm little more optimistic about them then what their numbers suggest. Although they lost, but they showed a lot of fighting spirit in their last two away bilateral ODI series vs England & India respectively. Shai Hope and Shimron Hetymer came up with match defining performances to instill confidence to their struggling middle order woes and add firepower to the deadly opening duo of Chris Gayle and Evin Lewis. 

The 50 over format is soon becoming an extended version of 20 overs format. West Indies has plenty of players who are specialist T20 globe trotters & are so so destructive that they could be virtual match winners on their day. The West Indies Cricket Board has had its share of financial crisis & administration mayhem leading to plenty of players choosing to represent the money spinning leagues across the globe ahead of playing in maroons. But as we near this ICC tournament, the administration and players have reunited. It was a big surprise to see the one man army, Andre Russell who last played an ODI for West Indies about a year back being drafted into the squad and non-preferred players like Kieron Pollard and Dwayne Bravo being announced as standby players. Sometimes it feels like their board has no objection with the players earning money across the globe for four years as long as they're ready to represent West Indies for every World Cup. 

Likely XI

1) Evin Lewis

2) Chris Gayle

3) Shai Hope  

4) Shimron Hetymer

5) Darren Bravo

6) Jason Holder

7) Andre Russell

8) Carlos Braithwaite

9) Ashley Nurse

10) Kemar Roach

11) Shannon Gabriel 

Bench

1) Sheldon Cottrel & 2) Oshane Thomas - They are both reserve fast bowlers. They could play ahead of any of quicks in the likely XI depending on the surface & overhead conditions

3) Fabian Allen - Reserve Spinner

4) Nicholas Pooran - Reserve Wicket-keeper & middle order batsmen

Verdict - I don't think they will reach the top 4, but if they do it's going to be one hell of an entertaining journey to witness !

Team South Africa Preview - Without the pressure of being called favorites, can they shed the Chokers Tag

South Africa, in the recent times have entered into ICC tournaments being one of favored teams to win, but this time around they seem to lack the firepower. If the added pressure of being favorites makes them choke, can not having this pressure make way for them to pack a punch above their weight ?!  

So whats changed for them !? The biggest of them all, the sudden retirement of AB De Villiers has not just left a void for South African cricket, but its been a 360 degrees deprival of entertainment for cricket lovers across the globe. Back in the days of Jacques Kallis & Lance Klusener, South Africa had two world class all rounders in the top seven of their line up, giving them the perfect team balance, which most other teams would really envy. Now all of a sudden there is a drought for them on that front. Their bowling attack looks good with the pace bowling trio of Rabada, Ngidi and Steyn alongside the wily old fox Imran Tahir running his miles across the ground like an enthusiastic teen.

Likely XI

1) Quinton De Kock

2) Hashim Amla

3) Faf Du Plessis

4) Rassie van der Dussen

5) Jean-Paul Duminy

6) David Miller

7) Andile Phehlukwayo

8) Dale Steyn

9) Kagiso Rabada

10) Lungi Ngidi

11) Imran Tahir

Bench

1) Aiden Markram - Reserve Batsmen

2) Chris Morris & Dwaine Pretorious - Reserve Bowling All-rounders

4) Tabraiz Shamzi - Reserve Spinner 

Verdict - 50% Chance of  Semi Finalist (I just hope they decide the fate & not the DuckWorth Lewis system)

Team England Preview - Hosts are clear hot Favorites !!

It's been 44 long years since the first World Cup, and I dont think England has ever entered a World Cup as clear hot favorites. Lets rewind back to the 2015 World Cup in Australia & New Zealand, where England suffered one of their most embarrassing exits without even reaching the knockout stage.

http://crickonnect.blogspot.com/2015/03/embarrassed-england.html

In hindsight had it not been for the humiliating exit in the World Cup 2015, I don't think England would have realized how far behind they are from the rest of the world. So that performance, was virtually a blessing in disguise for them. In the last four years England have really transformed themselves & revolutionized their approach to white ball Cricket under the leadership of Eoin Morgan & coach Trevor Bayliss. This is now England 2.0

So whats been their approach ?! They virtually play 50 overs Cricket like an extended version of T20 Cricket. With a clear attacking mindset & the amount of destruction power in their never ending batting line up, they've been demolishing bowling attacks and made scores of 350 plus in recent times for fun pretty consistently. The only weak link for them has been their bowling attack conceding too many runs & the lack of a reliable wicket taker. Although inexperienced, but I think finally England has an answer to that. Jofra Archer has been phenomenal in the T20 leagues across the globe. It is good to see that England recognized him as a potential game changer & fast tracked his selection process & drafted him into the squad for the mega event.

Likely XI

1) Jason Roy

2) Johnny Bairstow

3) Joe Root

4) Eoin Morgan

5) Ben Stokes

6) Jos Buttler

7) Moeen Ali

8) Chris Woakes

9) Jofra Archer

10) Adil Rashid

11) Mark Wood

Bench

1) James Vince - If any of the top order batsmen are injured, he will be drafted into the playing XI

2) Tom Curran & 3)Liam Plunkett - They could easily play ahead of Mark Wood, depending on how the skipper feels about the conditions

4) Liam Dawson - Reserve Spinning All-rounder for Moeen Ali & Adil Rashid

Verdict - Sure sort Semi Finalists with the best chance to finally get their hands on the  trophy.

MY WORLD CUP SQUAD - INDIA

The countdown has begun !! The biggest Cricketing event is less than 2 months away. With the ongoing IPL, the upcoming Lok Sabha elections and soon to follow Cricket World Cup, this situation is pretty much like a student whose final exams are nearing but has a big fat wedding in the family to attend with the distraction of his NRI cousins visiting.

Well there is a very thin line between player form and workload management of key Indian players as all eyes are glued on the high staked franchise cricket. Should performances in the IPL be considered for selections of the squad at the WC ? Should BCCI give instructions to the franchise owners to manage workload or rest key members of the squad ? As a die hard cricket fan, I'm anxious to see how our administration handles this situation.

The selection of my squad of 15 has been based on 2 factors

a) To have sufficient back ups for each specialized skill

b) To have the flexibility to change the balance of your starting XI based on the playing conditions

My XV

1) Shikhar Dhawan (Opener)

2) Rohit Sharma (Opener)

3) Virat Kohli (Captain)

4) MS Dhoni (Wicket-keeper)

5) Kedar Jadhav (Middle Order batting all-rounder)

6) Vijay Shankar (Middle Order batting all-rounder)

7) Hardik Pandya (Seam bowling all-rounder)

8) Mohammad Shami (Fast bowler)

9) Kuldeep Yadav (Spinner)

10) Yuzvendra Chahal (Spinner)

11) Jasprit Bumrah (Fast bowler)

12) Bhuvneshwar Kumar (Reserve/Additional Fast bowler)   

13) Ravindra Jadeja (Spinning all-rounder / Reserve spinner) -  Depending on the playing conditions, if India wants to go in with 3 genuine fast bowlers, then Bhuvi makes his way into the playing XI & one of Kuldeep or Chahal miss out. In that case, Jaddu being a spin bowling allrounder can be drafted into the playing XI ahead of Vijay Shankar or Hardik Pandya giving India the flexibility to maintain their balance between seam and spin.

14) Lokesh Rahul (Reserve Opener / Top Order Batsmen) - If one of our top 3 are injured, he makes his way into the starting line up.

15) Dinesh Karthik (Reserve Wicket Keeper / Middle Order Batsmen)- He makes his way into XI, if there is any sort of injury to MS Dhoni or if any of the relatively inexperienced middle order are woeful out of form.

Workload Management - The players who are in the squad for India (especially fast bowlers) should only be permitted to play home matches for their respective franchises once the squads are announced. This way they are not tired travelling virtually every second day & have a bit of game time before the biggest event in world cricket.

Do share in your views for the squad you think India needs to lift the CUP at England & Wales this year ! Look forward to hearing from you all.

T20 WORLD CUP 2016 PREVIEW - INDIA & NEW ZEALAND

India 

India are going into this tournament is firm favourites. Besides having the momentum of winning 10 out of the 11 last T20 International games, they have the ideal mix of experience and youth. After whitewashing Australia in their own & the Asia cup triumph, it seems team India can do no wrong. Never before do I remember India looking so settled entering a mega event.

Likely XI – 1) Shikhar Dhawan, 2) Rohit Sharma, 3) Virat Kohli, 4) Suresh Raina, 5) MS Dhoni, 6) Yuvraj Singh, 7) Hardik Pandya, 8) Ravindra Jadeja, 9) Ravichandran Ashwin, 10) Jasprit Bumrah, 11) Ashish Nehra

Bench – Ajinkya Rahane, Harbhajan Singh, Pawan Negi & Mohammad Shami

India has one of the most feared batting line ups. Most teams would envy this kind of a star cast. Virat Kohli continues to be redefine the law of averages with his impeccable consistency. Rohit Sharma has the ability to turn a game on its head with his inhuman six hitting powers. Shikhar Dhawan also seems to have caught back form just in time. In his last couple of outings, MS Dhoni showed glimpses of his old self, and the sound of leather on his willow with that emphatic victory six to win the Asia Cup, should just do his confidence wonders.

The return of Ashish Nehra has added invaluable experience to the Indian bowling attack. Jasprit Bumrah seems to be a great pupil of Lasith Malinga giving India a worthy answer to their perennial problem of death bowling. Ashwin is Dhoni’s trump card and is used smartly by him either upfront or in the middle overs depending on the match situation and the opposition batsmen. The presence of multi dimensional players like Jadeja, Yuvraj, Pandya & Raina gives India immense depth in batting as well as plenty of bowling options to skipper MS Dhoni so he can optimize the resources depending on how the surface plays. 

                            New Zealand

The Kiwis for a really long time were considered dark horses entering into a mega event. The current side has a pretty settled look and the team has done really in all formats of the game in the recent times. Infact they have really stormed world cricket with their brand of aggressive cricket under the iconic leadership of Brendon Mc Cullum, who just decided to call it a day from international cricket on his home ground days before the world cup. Much like his batting, McCullum’s way of looking at the game never had the word fear or defence. His way of playing with an all out attack attitude rubbed on his teammates as the Kiwis under him saw new highs. In fact a triumph in this world cup could have well been a fairytale ending to his career.

Likely XI – 1 Martin Guptill, 2 Kane Williamson (capt), 3 Colin Munro, 4 Ross Taylor, 5 Corey Anderson, 6 Grant Elliott, 7 Luke Ronchi (wk), 8 Mitchell Santner , 9 Tim Southee, 10 Trent Boult, 11 Mitchell McClenaghan

Martin Guptill is now one of most destructive openers in world cricket. Kane Williamson has been their Mr. Dependable across different formats. Ross Taylor provides the much needed experience in the absence of Brendon Mc Cullum. Corey Anderson and Colin Munro provide the hard hitting impetus in the middle order. The fast bowling duo of Trent Boult & Tim Southee have done pretty well for them. Michael Santner, Nathan Mc Cullum & Ish Sodhi provide them with plenty of spin options to pick from. Can this young team adapt to playing conditions in the subcontinent? Being alongside favourites India, dangerous Aussies, unpredictable Pakistan & raging Bangladesh is sure to make it tough going for them.

INDIA’S SQUAD FOR THE ICC WORLD T20 2016

The squad for the Asia Cup and the most awaited ICC Event of the year, the T20 World Cup has been announced. With MS Dhoni’s captaincy under scrutiny in the last year or so, can MSD redeem himself about a decade later in the format where he first announced himself on the big stage. After having done it all, does he have it in him to write another chapter of glory !!?? Here are the men who have been picked & my views on the selections.

The Squad:-

Wicket Keeper - MS Dhoni

Batsmen - Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Suresh Raina & Yuvraj Singh

Bowlers - Ravichandran Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Ashish Nehra, Harbhajan Singh, Pawan Negi & Mohammed Shami

All Rounders - Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja,

After having whitewashed Australia in their own den, the emotional Indian fan can proudly say the team has a settled look, thus leaving a spot or two open for contention. The major points of discussion would be the picking of rookie left arm spinner Pawan Negi and the seamer Mohammad Shami, who hasn’t played too much competitive cricket in the last few months. Pawan Negi has been picked up as bowling all rounder ahead of Axar Patel, the former having a better hitting ability lower down the order. Ideally, I would have liked a leg spinner in his place, probably Amit Mishra to make the cut which could have given India a complete variety in spin department, but the selectors thought otherwise.

The pace bowling options of Umesh Yadav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar & Ishant Sharma have all been erratic and inconsistent in the recent times and Mohammad Shami coming off an injury would rather be a better bet than any of these. The experienced Harbhajan Singh after a reasonably good IPL last year and above average performances in his opportunites on the international circuit over the last year is a direct cover for Ravichandran Ashwin. The inclusion of Ajinkya Rahane ahead of Manish Pandey is justified with his consistency of performances across different conditions & formats. The presence of multi dimensional players like Yuvraj, Raina & Hardik Pandya add to the ideal balance of the squad playing in the sub continent.

Likely Playing XI: Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, Yuvraj Singh, MS Dhoni, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, R. Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Ashish Nehra

The Bench – Harbhajan Singh, Pawan Negi, Mohammad Shami & Ajinkya Rahane

With the mega event being played in India at many different venues ; it is a clear indication that the bench strength preferred is in the bowling department considering all the batsmen would be an automatic selection irrespective of the playing surface. In case of any injuries for the top order batsmen getting a replacement would be fast track. Having a good variety of spin & seam bowling options would help India pick different team combinations for different venues & playing conditions. 

EMBARRASSED ENGLAND!

A relatively consistent still unpredictable Bangladesh has defeated England for the second time in a row at ICC World Cup leading to a humiliating early exit for the founders of the game. It really would be very frustrating to be a fan of English Cricket. Suffering a loss is one thing, but this kind of performance is really going to hurt!  

The last time that England made it to the top four at an ICC event was way back in 1992. That is 23 years ago, more than a generation in itself. A lot about the game has changed since then. Back in the day, the game was played by the book. But now it’s more like it doesn’t matter how the runs the come as long as they come.

England has always been very stubborn where playing by natural instinct is curbed by way too many technicalities and statistics. That is where the modern day game has moved ahead, and England is far behind. Even their Board is so rigid that it wouldn’t allow their players to take part in some of the Cricket Leagues played worldwide. Being a global sport, over time each team has learnt new tricks of the trade leading to better results. To me England is that orthodox family, who doesn’t look at inter caste marriages. But unfortunately gone are those days.

Looking Ahead

Much like one of evenings in London, It looks all gloomy and dark for England. But such a stumbling defeat would definitely make them look back, analyze and change their mindset, rather than just get replacement players. England would need a revolution than a few resolutions here and there.

Just the way, India’s early exit in 2007 World Cup made the BCCI take some bold steps and revolutionize Indian Cricket. I think in the long run this embarrassing early exit would be instrumental in moving English Cricket to the next generation.

WORLD CUP 2015 - PREDICTED QUARTERFINALS LINE UP

27 games have been played so far at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 over three weeks. Each of the teams at this stage has played three to four games respectively. Co-hosts, New Zealand & Defending Champions, India look pretty at the top of the table in their respective pools. They are the only teams who have been unbeaten till now in the competition. With just one loss a piece; Australia, Sri Lanka & South Africa are certain for their qualification.

Pakistan & West Indies each have two wins out of four living up to their reputation of being unpredictable. The lesser fancied, Bangladesh & Ireland too have two wins each.  England has been absolutely lacklustre securing just one win in their four encounters. Zimbabwe has been impressive in phases, but hasn’t been able to maintain that consistency to get over the line more frequently. Debutants Afghanistan has done reasonably well to hold their nerve against Scotland & giving Sri Lanka a serious scare. Scotland will be proud of the way they have fought, but really very disappointed at not registering their maiden win. The only joy for the United Arab Emirates is the individual batting brilliance of Shamian Anwar.

 

Here is pool-wise analysis of each team & what they need to do to make it through to the knockouts

Pool A

1)     New Zealand – With four wins out of four, New Zealand are pretty much certain to top the table. The Kiwis have really played some aggressive cricket under the proactive captaincy of Brendon Mc Cullum. Deadly duo, Tim Southee & Trent Boult have not just picked a wicket or two but at times run through teams up front. They are just the perfect two new ball bowlers with their accuracy, pace, swing & right-left hand combination. The batting form of Brendon Mc Cullum coupled with the calmness of Kane Williamson has ensured a flying start on each occasion for them.

 

Can they continue playing their ace game for few more games!?  Will the pressure of a knockout get to them? But for now they can smile & afford to test their bench strength in their coming games versus Afghanistan & Bangladesh. The tournament policy has ensured that New Zealand will be playing their quarter-final at home which would be a huge advantage. They would in all likelihood play the winner of the Pool B clash, Pakistan v/s Ireland. 

 

2)     Australia – After thrashing Afghanistan, the Aussies have made way into the knockout phase unless more than a miracle occurs. Much like their neighbour foe, they too have played aggressive cricket, as they almost ran New Zealand down in a low scoring thriller. In a world cup where all-rounders are in scarcity, Australia is one team to have them in plenty. That really constitutes an ideal balance and makes them the most enviable side. Their encounter against Sri Lanka could well decide who qualifies second in their pool and the possibility of avoiding running into a rampant South Africa early in the knockouts.

 

3)     Sri Lanka – After losing their opening game versus New Zealand, they have registered three consecutive wins and ensured qualification. The batting form of their top four (Kumar Sangakarra, Mahela Jayawardene, Tillekaratne Dilshan & Lahiru Thirimanne) has been sublime with each of them getting big hundreds. Their bowling especially the form of Lasith Malinga remains an area of major concern for them. Their contest against Australia is all set to decide who comes second in their pool.

 

4)     England – After facing the in-form duo hosts early in the tournament, they find themselves in more than a spot of bother. They now not only need to win their remaining two games versus Bangladesh & Afghanistan but are now dependant on New Zealand beating Bangladesh for their further progress. They really need to play some fearless Cricket to restore some faith in their own abilities.  

 

5)    Bangladesh – Having two wins thus far and one point from their washout against the mighty Australians, they are better placed than England. The equation is simple for them, they need to win one of their remaining two games, which are against New Zealand & England.

 

Pool B

1)     India – After a disappointing summer in Australia, India has transformed into a different unit ever since the World Cup started winning their first three games. Having defeated the relatively difficult oppositions, South Africa and Pakistan, India is all set to top their group. The batting, bowling, fielding and catching, everything seems to be just perfect for India. The death bowling is still to be tested and face the heat. They look all set to meet England or Bangladesh in the quarterfinals.   

 

2)    South Africa – After their defeat versus India, South Africa has been absolutely clinical in all the departments with their dominant performances. Having scored 400 runs twice in the tournament speaks in itself about the form of the batsmen. AB De Villiers with his scintillating brilliance has made batting look like walk in a park. Being over shadowed against some of the other batsmen, Hashim Amla is now the fastest to 20 hundreds with a very impressive strike rate. They look all set to play the losing team from the Australia v/s Sri Lanka encounter in Pool A. Like most of the previous World Cups, South Africa would go into knockouts as of the prime favourites. Can they overcome business end blues!?

 

3)    West Indies – After losing in their opening game versus Ireland, they have come back well to bring their campaign back on track courtesy a Gayle Storm. If they defeat the UAE, and lose to India, they will still be able to hold onto their third spot in all likelihood. With the kind of cricket they play, they could be a dangerous side in knockout phase if they arrive at the party. They look all set to play the winner of Pool A clash, Australia v/s Sri Lanka. 

 

4)      Pakistan – After losing their opening two games versus India & West Indies, they looked out of sorts especially with their batting. But with back to back wins against lesser fancied, Zimbabwe & UAE they have kept themselves alive in the competition.  The batting unit finally got some form in the last game. Historically the bowling resources have never been a weak link for Pakistan.  Write them off at your peril.

 

5)    Ireland – Well known for their chasing abilities, they won their opening two games versus West Indies & UAE courtesy some collective brilliance. Despite being an associate nation, they are one team who have always been outperformers and termed as giant killers. They would look to continue their way ahead in the next phase. Their game versus Pakistan looks all set to be a virtual pre-quarter final.

 

 

Key Clashes in Last Leg of League Phase

1) Australia v/s Sri Lanka – 8 March at Sydney (Likely Pool A, 2^nd Place)

2) England v/s Bangladesh – 9 March at Adelaide (Likely Pool A, 4^th Place)

3) Pakistan v/s Ireland – 15 March at Adelaide (Likely Pool B, 4^th Place)

 

Quarter Final Predictions

1)  Sri Lanka v/s South Africa  (A3 vs B2) on 18^th March at Sydney

2)  England v/s India                 (A4 vs B1) on 19^th March at Melbourne

3) Australia v/s West Indies    (A2 vs B3) on 20^th March at Adelaide

4) New Zealand v/s Pakistan  (A1 vs B4) on 21^st March at Wellington

 

CRICKET WORLD CUP 2015 CONTENDERS PART 2 - POOL B

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 B - South Africa, India, Pakistan, West Indies, Zimbabwe, Ireland, United Arab Emirates 

I) SOUTH AFRICA: Chokers to Champions!?

The 2015 World Cup is yet another chance for the Proteas to change their long stuck chokers tag. This time round they surely have a well settled team with most of their members in the squad looking in good touch. They have been literally been perennial favourites for more than a decade now. Every time in the league stage of a tournament they outperform most teams before they get business end blues. In each of the six previous World Cups, they have found out tragic ways of crashing their way out of the World Cup. They are still to win a knockout game at the World Cup. They would be itching to change their tag from chokers to champions

Squad - AB de Villiers (capt), Hashim Amla, Kyle Abbott, Farhaan Behardien, Quinton de Kock (wk), JP Duminy, Faf du Plessis, Imran Tahir, David Miller, Morne Morkel, Wayne Parnell, Aaron Phangiso, Vernon Philander, Rilee Rossouw, Dale Steyn

Strengths – They are great side, full of specialists who know exactly what their job is. The top order looks very well settled with Hashim Amla, Faf du Plessis & Quinton de Kock. The middle order looks ominous led by one of the greatest and most versatile batsmen of our time, AB De Villiers. The level headed JP Duminy along with clean hitting abilities of David Miller gives the batting adequate solidity. The trio of Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel & Vernon Philander makes them one of most feared bowling line up on any surface.

Weakness – Despite having a near perfect team with the ideal batting and bowling resources, the lack of an all rounder could haunt them. Historically South Africa has been one team who has always had good genuine all rounders, but with the retirement of Jacques Kallis they haven’t found their two in one replacement. Overall their biggest weakness has been performing under pressure. There have been times in the past that South Africa bring out their perfect game in the league stage, and experts tend to say they peaked early. But well you can’t plan your peak, can you?!

Surprise Package – Quinton De Kock, an aggressive batsmen could play an essential role at the top of order to set the ideal platform for the batsmen to follow.

Likely Starting XI – 1) Q De Kock, 2) H Amla, 3) F du Plessis, 4) AB Devilliers, 5) JP Duminy, 6) D Miller, 7) F Behardian / W Parnell, 8) V Philander, 9) D Steyn, 10) M Morkel, 11) I Tahir

II) INDIA : Of Dipping Form, Injury Concerns & High Expectations

The defending champions have had a tough time in the last two months in Australia. They go into the world cup without securing even a single win on their long tour. To add onto the current form, the fitness a lot of players in the squad lies in the dark. A lot of players in the squad are short of match practice. If at all, India has a chance to defend their title, then this WC format is the best. India can easily take the first six games (beating the three non-test playing teams could ensure qualification) to find the right balance and get some of the guys adequate match practice. Going into the knockout stage, the Indian team is blessed with a few match winners who can win games with sheer brilliance.

Squad - MS Dhoni (capt/wk), Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Axar Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami, Stuart Binny, Umesh Yadav, Ajinkya Rahane

Strengths - India’s strength lies in their batting, no two ways on that. From the 2011 WC to 2015 WC, there has been a transformational change in Virat Kohli. Much like he said then, Sachin Tendulkar has been carrying the burden of a million expectations for 23 long years. Now it is Virat Kohli who has taken responsibility to lead the Indian batting. At times we see the pressure of expectations can lead to the downhill of a player. But Kohli seems to be enjoying the limelight and has also got the best out of him. The top order consists of Rohit Sharma & Ajinkya Rahane , who have had some reasonably good performances in the tour games. It is imperative for them that Suresh Raina & MS Dhoni are able to regain their form back to help India finish games. There have been many occasions in the recent times when India has had to chase big totals as their bowlers have leaked runs.

Weakness – India’s biggest and most visible weakness is the form & fitness of their bowlers. They have not been able to define the role of each bowler clearly. No bowler has shown enough fire to pick up early wickets or the required discipline not to leak runs at the death.

Surprise Package - Stuart Binny has been criticized by many for his selection in the squad, he could be India’s leading allrounder in this World Cup.

Likely Starting XI – 1) S Dhawan, 2) R Sharma, 3) A Rahane, 4) V Kohli, 5) S Raina, 6) MS Dhoni, 7) R Jadeja, 8) S Binny, 9) R Ashwin, 10) M Sharma, 11) U Yadav

III) PAKISTAN: Predictably Unpredictable

Pakistan is one team which has always found talented cricketers. They have not been able to nurture this talent in the right away. Their current form is nothing to boost about. History suggests when they have their back to the wall, the team comes up with some inspirational performances to mesmerise and take world cricket by their awe. Their kind of cricket has always been instinctive and built around flamboyance and flair. The only thing one can predict about this time is being unpredictable

Squad: Misbah-ul-Haq (captain), Ahmed Shehzad, Nasir Jamshed, Sarfraz Ahmed, Younis Khan, Haris Sohail, Umar Akmal, Sohaib Maqsood, Shahid Afridi, Yasir Shah, Mohammad Irfan, Rahat Ali, Ehsan Adil, Sohail Khan and Wahab Riaz

Strengths – Pakistan’s strength has always being their bowling. Losing their ace spinner, Saeed Ajmal would be a huge blow to the balance of their resources. They have picked five seamers in the squad. Mohammad Irfan & Wahab Riaz are the two who have the most experience. The in-form veteran, Shahid Afridi could impact any game with his abilities. Low on experience Ehsan Adil, Sohail Khan & Rahat Ali have the ideal platform to establish their careers. Don’t be surprised to see one of these newcomers become a household name.  

Weakness – The consistency of their batting has been an issue which they have not been able to address. On the big grounds of Australia, fielding could be one department where Pakistan could lose the competitive edge.

Surprise Package – Haris Sohail could be their all rounder if they decide to play the extra batsmen in the playing XI.

Likely Starting XI – 1) A Shehzad, 2) S Ahmed/Y Khan, 3) H Sohail, 4) Misbah, 5) U Akmal, 6) S Maqsood 7) S Afridi, 8) Y Shah, 9) W Riaz, 10) M Irfan, 11) E Adil

IV) WEST INDIES : Can the party last as long as 50 overs

The West Indies dominated world cricket for almost a decade comprising of back to back world cup wins in 1975 & 1979. Since then a lot has changed. They are clearly the most troubled team entering this mega tournament. The team has often been in the headlines for the wrong reasons with major disagreement between the Board and players. As a result of the same two of their key players, all-rounders Dwayne Bravo & Kieron Pollard have not been able to make their way into world cup squad.

Squad - Jason Holder (captain), Marlon Samuels, Sulieman Benn, Darren Bravo, Jonathan Carter, Sheldon Cottrell, Chris Gayle, Nikita Miller, Denesh Ramdin (wk), Kemar Roach, Andre Russell, Darren Sammy, Lendl Simmons, Dwayne Smith, Jerome Taylor.

Strengths – Despite all the problems, much like Pakistan even the West Indies play their cricket fearlessly with a lot of flamboyance. They have a few players like Chris Gayle, Darren Sammy, Marlon Samuels, Andre Russell & Dwayne Smith who have the firepower to win them games. They have some experienced bowlers like Jerome Taylor & Kemar Roach who need to step up at the big stage.

Weakness – The appointment of Jason Holder as captain was a surprise move by the board. Does he have the experience to lead the side or even the ability to command his position in the playing eleven? Sunil Narine withdrawing himself from the squad with his bowling action being under the scanner would be a huge blow to them. Their challenge has always been to show up & perform consistently.

Dark Horse – Sulieman Benn has bowled smartly in the recent times and has been able to keep the run rate in check while he is bowling.

Likely Starting XI – 1) C Gayle, 2) D Smith, 3) D Bravo, 4) M Samuels, 5) L Simmons, 6) D Ramdin, 7) D Sammy, 8) A Russell, 9) S Benn, 10) J Holder, 11) K Roach / J Taylor

V) Zimbabwe : Can they Revive their Cricket?!

Since their Super 6 appearances in 1999 & 2003, Zimbabwe cricket has just been on the down slide. In their last twelve ODIs they have recorded just one win. They showed glimpses of brilliance in both their warm up fixtures. But with the limited cricket they have played in the recent times, it will still be an uphill task for them to maintain consistent performances against the well established teams. Being in a group that has Pakistan & West Indies is a best shot they can have towards a possible upset.

VI) Ireland : Can the Giant Killers continue to surprise?

Making their third appearance in a World Cup, they continue to improve every game. Since their debut in 2007 they have been a surprise package & and have consistently produced upsets at the big stage. They made it to the Super Eights in 2007 edition by upsetting Pakistan. With relatively the same team over the past eight years, we can see them trying to make a statement with their performances.

VII) United Arab Emirates : Favorites for the Wooden Spoon

Despite having a reasonably good year at the associate level tournament, UAE will enter this World Cup with minimum expectations. The only world cup they played before this was the 1996 edition.

CRICKET WORLD CUP 2015 CONTENDERS PART 1 – POOL A

 

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.
 .

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.