Team Sri Lanka – Does not just have enough...

The Sri Lankan squad for the world cup is as follows –

Mahela Jayawardene (captain)

Kumar Sangakkara (vice captain)

Sanath Jayasuriya

Chaminda Vaas

Muttiah Muralitharan

Marvan Atapattu

Upul Tharanga

Tillakaratne Dilshan

Dilhara Fernando

Russel Arnold

Mohamed Farveez Maharoof

Lasith Malinga

Malinga Bandara

Chamara Silva

Nuwan Kulasekara

The squad contains an amazing mixture of very elderly statesmen and the very young and inexperienced rookies. While that coupled with Sri Lankan renaissance post ‘the Indian whitewash’ is a factor to rejoice, this team still does not have the ‘IT’ factor that enabled Ranatunga’s boys to take the trophy.

Let’s analyze the individual disciplines -

Batting –

The batting mainstay without doubt is going to be the ever so dangerous Jayasuriya. This being his last world cup, he would so desperately want to finish off in style. Tharanga as his partner has loads of talent. The middle order oozes with class and ability in Attapattu, Jayawardane and Sangakkara. The lower middle order can be destructive towards the end with the likes of Arnold, Dilshan and Chamara Silva. The tail too can wag with Maharoof and Vaas more than capable of belting the ball into the stands.

Bowling –

The Bowling attack has amazing variety. The ever so dependant Vaas is always dangerous. The slinging Malinga can cause serious damage with his pace and deceptive action. Fernando and Kulasekara are good too. Maharoof is a very able bowling all-rounder. Murali is without doubt the best off spinner in the world. Bandara is fast turning out to be an amazing leg spinner. Jayasuriya, Arnold and Dilshan can all bowl those crucial middle overs with great effect.

Keeping –

Sangakkara is the wicket keeper batsman and what an options it is to have. He would be easily rated as the most correct and classiest wicket keeper batsman ever (along with Andy Flower). Tharanga would be the backup option in case of emergencies.

Fielding –

The Sri Lankan side have improved tremendously as a fielding unit under Moody. They do not have start fielders like many other teams, but as a complete unit, they are among the best. Dilshan and Arnold are exceptional within the circle. Jayasuriya, inspite of his age, is always prowling on the leg side. All others are very safe at both ground fielding and catching.

My First Playing Eleven –

Jayasurya

Tharanga

Attapattu

Sangakara

Jayawardane

Arnold

Dilshan

Maharoof

Vaas

Malinga

Muralitharan

This line-up not only has amazing depth (Vaas is batting at 9), but also very good variety in their bowling attack. Vaas and Malinga could open the attack with Maharoof as back-up. You then have Muralitharan and Jayasuriya providing contrasting variety of spin attacks with Arnold and Dilshan as back-up options. Bandara would be unlucky to miss out, but then you only need so many spinning options.

It’s been a good 10 years since the Lankans shocked the world by winning the world cup. Doing it again, could be the perfect farewell to some of their greatest ever players viz. Jayasuriya, Attapattu, Vaas and Muralitharan.

But can they do it… That’s a big unanswerable question.

Team West Indies – The Dark Horses...

The West Indian squad for the world cup is as follows –

Brian Lara (captain)

Ramnaresh Sarwan

Chris Gayle

Dwayne Smith

Shivnarine Chanderpaul

Dwayne Bravo

Marlon Samuels

Ian Bradshaw

Corey Collymore

Jerome Taylor

Denesh Ramdin

Devon Smith

Lendl Simmons

Daren Powell

Kieron Pollard

Until the Indian side visited them last summer, the West Indies were the perpetual underdogs in the one day format. In spite of the legendary exploits of the 70s and 80s, the 90s saw them reaching unimaginable depths. There was the occasional glitter in the form of a World Cup semifinal (96), Champions’ Trophy final (98) and Champions Trophy Victory (04)… but for a team that were at the receiving end of all one-day clashes with any of the major team and were placed ahead of only Zimbabwe and Bangladesh in World Rankings, the end looked near in sight… But that was only till the famous Greg Chappell statement and the back lash thereafter. Ably led by a resurgent Lara, they have gone on strength to strength from there-on, reaching the finals of the champions’ trophy once again. They have also managed to defeat almost all teams at least once in the recent past. The greatest advantage they would have however is playing everybody else at home…

Let’s analyze the individual disciplines -

Batting –

The only surprise in the batting order is the exclusion of Runako Morton, who featured in a few of the wins last season. Otherwise it is the same team the West Indies have had for quite some time now with the additional inclusion of all-rounders like Simmons and Pollard. The top of the order is among the mightiest in world cricket with both Gayle and Chanderpaul capable of murdering any opposition. The middle order is in the able hands of Lara, Sarwan and amazingly-in-form Samuels. Simmons and Smith are capable of playing in any spot. The all-round skills of Smith and Bravo are more than handy. Ramdin as the wicket keeper batsman is quite talented, but is in awful form lately.

Bowling –

Except for Taylor, nobody in this squad has express pace. But in the West Indian pitches, what is needed more is the ‘accuracy’, which almost all the other bowlers possess. Bradshaw and Collymore were easily among the best West Indian bowlers last season and they could well carry their form through the tournament. Powell, Bravo and Smith make up the rest of the bowling attack. Dave Mohammed misses out as the selectors have decided to rely on the spinning abilities of Samuels and the ever-so-deceitful Gayle. Sarwan and Pollard too can bowl if required.

Keeping –

Ramdin is the chosen wicketkeeper. Baugh misses out in spite of Ramdin’s poor form, both in front and behind the stumps.

Fielding –

West Indians are not an exceptional fielding side. They can be described as safe at best. The catching is generally good and except for occasional blips the ground fielding too is ok. Bravo along with a 37 year old gentleman called Lara are among the best fielders in the team and the opposition would certainly keep an eye at all balls moving towards them.

My First Playing Eleven –

Gayle

Chanderpaul

Dwayne Bravo

Sarwan

Lara

Samuels

Dwayne Smith

Ramdin

Ian Bradshaw

JeromeTaylor

Colleymore

The chosen eleven is pretty amazing on paper. 5 genuine medium pacers, 2 of whom are pretty useful with the bat… 2 spinning options in Samuels and Gayle, with both of them pretty capable of breaking partnerships… a batting order that bats pretty well till eight… a powerful opening combination… and a solid middle order…

It’s been a good 28 years, since Clive Lyold held the trophy aloft and this West Indian squad might just have the firepower to scrape through – only this time they have the additional burden of breaking the jinx that has always affected the host nation…

Team Australia – Dad’s Army aiming for a hat trick...

The Australian squad for the world cup is as follows –

Ricky Ponting (Capt)

Adam Gilchrist

Nathan Bracken

Micheal Clark

Brad Haddin

Mathew Hayden

Brad Hodge

Brad Hogg

Mike Hussey

Mitchell Johnson

Stuart Clarke

Glenn Mcgrath

Andrew Symonds

Shaun Tait

Shane Watson

After Canada, Australia is the most aged team in the tournament (considering the average age of all fifteen in the squad), with 9 of its players over 30. On top of this, is the fact that most of its match winners are coming back from injury (some serious, some very minor). Thirdly, after what seems like a million years at the top, Australia is no longer the number 1 team in the world. And finally, the once-upon-a-time seemingly invincible world champions, have lost their last five matches (albeit with a depleted team) leading to this tournament.

Any other team that had these qualities against their name would have automatically garnered the label of being an underdog… But not Australia… Book makers and Experts alike, are still terming them as the favorites and it could well be a hat trick for the Aussies.

Let’s analyze the individual disciplines -

Batting –

If Hayden’s toe heals on time and Gilchrist is back from his familial commitments, the pair would without doubt continue to open the innings, though Ponting would have a strong urge to send Watson up the order in order to create the depth in their bowling. Ponting, Hodge and Clarke would make up the middle order, with Hodge likely to be the unlucky one sitting out. Symonds and Hussey would make the lower middle order - and what a lower middle order this pair makes! Hodge leads the tail of a fast bowling pack (with the exception of McGrath) which is more than capable of throwing their bat around.

Bowling –

It’s a team packed with fast bowling options. Though Brett Lee’s absence is sure to be felt, Shaun Tait is genuinely quick and can compensate Lee’s absence with at least the pace. The left arm swing of Bracken and Johnson has troubled the best in the business. McGrath and Clarke have very similar techniques and are extremely mean and stingy when it comes to leaking runs – something the Aussies would desperately want after conceding the kind of runs it did to the kiwis. Shane Watson as the all-rounder can be very effective. Symonds can bowl everything – seam up, spin – and could be very effective, if his biceps heals on time. Hodge the lone spinner could be well supported by the under-utilized Michael Clarke and Hussey.

Keeping –

Gilchrist is definitely the first choice keeper. The Aussies are however carrying with them a reserve in Brad Haddin, who would always rue the fact that he ended up being a contemporary of Gilly. Haddin is good enough to be a first choice keeper in any international side (both for his keeping and batting exploits) and it’s only due to the class of Gilly that he would always remain over-shadowed.

Fielding –

Without doubt, one of the best fielding sides, the Aussies are always raising the bar. Hayden at slips, Ponting, Clarke, Symonds and Hussey in the point to cover region and Hodge on the onside, appears like a sure-shot winner in the all time ‘best fielding combinations inside the 30 yard circle’ contest. The fitness of Clarke and Symonds is very crucial for the Aussies, as it makes the difference between a ‘nearly run out’ and an ‘amazing direct hit’. They are also crucial in saving at least a good 30-40 runs that are otherwise generally leaked through the off-side. The only drawback in this side is the out-fielding, especially with the likes of McGrath, Bracken and Clarke – the tall fast bowlers who sometimes find it difficult to cut off the boundaries. McGrath, in particular has floored quite a few sitters in the recent past.

My First Playing Eleven –

Hayden

Gilchrist

Ponting

Clarke

Hodge

Symonds

Hussey

Hogg

S Clarke

Bracken

McGrath

This line-up is possible only if all the above mentioned players are fit – which looks highly unlikely today. Watson would be unlucky to miss out the eleven, but with the Symonds, Clarke and Hussey capable of completing a good 10 – 15 overs among themselves, the Aussies do not need an additional all-rounder. Tait, in spite of his excess pace might come up short on the slow West Indian pitches. Johnson could give Clarke a real good fight for the third bowler’s slot – but Clarke, because of his economical spells, deserves to make it. As usual Haddin will remain unlucky.

In eight editions of the World Cup, the Aussies have won it thrice (only team to do so) and have been the runners up twice more. In fact in the last 5 editions, they have won it thrice and come second once, while missing the finals only in’92 at home. So these guys have all the experience that is required at the big stage, in big matches…

So it just could be a hat trick for the Aussies…

Prediction Game for World Cup

Rules -
1. Registration closes on Tuesday 6th March
2. Registered players get 100 points upon regitration.
3. The pre-tournament Predictions will have to be sent before 7:00 PM on Friday 9th March - Late entries will not be accepted.
4. The Bonus Factor for Pre-tournament Predictions will be sent by mail after a player registers himself.
5. Daily Predictions to be placed before 7:00 PM on Tuesdays and 7:00 PM on Fridays.
6. Predictions should be placed on Tuesday for the Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday matches.
7. Predictions should be placed on Friday for Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday matches.
8. The Bonus Factor for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday match would be sent on Monday evening to all registered players.
9. Similarly Bonus Factor for Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday matches would be sent on Thursday to all players.
10. Predictions can be sent only by e-mail and mandatorily the subject line has to be PREDICT
11. Any mail received after 7:00 PM of the above mentioned days will not be accepted.
12. The total value of all perdictions placed should nto exceed the account balance - if that happens, only the first few predictions for which the account balance suffices will be considered.
13. Each player can buy top-ups worth Rs.300/- anytime before the semi-finals.It can either be bought in one-shot or in a maximum of 6 installments.
14. If a player loses all his points and has exhausted all top-ups, to continue playing he will have to register as a fresh player and will then be eligible for 100points plus a new top-up of 300, but he will miss out on any pre-tournament predictions.

Team England – On a high… But will it last long enough???

The English squad for the world cup is as follows –

Michael Vaughan (captain)
Andrew Flintoff (vice captain)
James Anderson
Ian Bell
Ravi Bopara
Paul Collingwood
Jamie Dalrymple
Ed Joyce
Jon Lewis
Sajid Mahmood
Paul Nixon
Monty Panesar
Kevin Pietersen
Liam Plunkett
Andrew Strauss.

By defeating the Australians in the Commonwealth series down under, the Englishmen not only earned some solace at the end of a tormenting tour, but also proved that they indeed can win without Pieterson in their ranks. KP is not only England’s best limited overs cricketer, but their only genuine match winner too. So winning without him would have surely caused a relief. Now, with his return to the side, if England can get Collingwood, Bell, Joyce and Strauss to provide back-up, the Poms could definitely cause a few upsets. But do they have enough to go all the way to the finals and beyond? That would require the battered knee and ankle of Messrs. Vaughn and Flintoff to not only hold for another two months, but continuously enable miracles as well…

Let’s analyze the individual disciplines -

Batting –

The batting order has quite a few first-timers to the world cup scene. Without Trescothick (the batting mainstay, until the breakdown), England will have to have somebody else giving them brisk starts. Having Mel Loye in the squad could have helped for this reason. The experiment of having Strauss in the middle order could be reverted and Strauss might well open with Vaughn. Joyce, Bell and Collingwood are all extremely talented but are not exactly the kinds that would set the stadium alight. But with uncertain and untested pitches, their slow batting could just be the answer. KP is the key and having him any below No.4 would be a colossal waste. Flintoff, Dalrymple, Bopara and Nixon in the lower middle order are capable of upping the tempo.

Bowling –

Anderson along with Flintoff are the only ones to have played in a previous world cup and rightfully so, their form will hold the key. Lewis and Plunkett are both very capable one-day bowlers and Mahmood with his height and pace can sure be deadly. Surprisingly, England has lots of options this time in their slow bowling department this time. Monty has finally gained the favor of his coach and is likely to figure at least a few time in the eleven. Dalrymple and Bopara too can bowl some spin. KP, with his off cutters and Collingwood, with his dibbly-dobblies can sure act as partnership breakers. The attack, though nowhere near the best, can certainly cause an upset or two…

Keeping –

36 year old Nixon, edged out ever-unfortunate Chris Read to the slot. Though just an average bat, Nixon is believed by many to be an exceptional keeper. His keeping skills, according to many past wicket-keeping greats, are the best in the business today. Also, with his non-stop motivation and talking (read ‘Sledging’) behind the stumps, Batsmen could do well to carry ear-plugs onto the field.

Fielding –

Collingwood is among the best fielders in the world today… Closely following him is Dalrymple… Though there are no arguments about these, there is not much else to write about the rest of the English fielding. Most in the team, with the possible exception of Strauss (who is pretty good in the slip region), are notorious for flooring easy sitters. The ground fielding though, is marginally better. Overall, as a team, this is just an ordinary fielding side…

My First Playing Eleven –

Vaughn
Strauss
Bell
Pieterson
Collingwood
Flintoff
Dalrymple
Nixon
Lewis
Anderson
Panesar

Joyce, who is in pretty good form, would find it difficult to squeeze into the eleven, as the management would most likely go in with the old guard. The same is true in the case of Bopara as well. Panesar could get a few matches, but with the availability of the all-round talent of Bopara and Dalrymple, Vaughn would need to see some real good reason to play 2 spinners.

In the first 5 editions of the world cup, the Englishmen reached the Finals thrice and the Semifinals the remaining two times. However it has been continuous downhill since then. It is very unlikely that this team would reverse that trend.

Super Eight for sure… But Semis would take a miracle…

Team New Zealand – Problems of Plenty… But still not enough…

The Kiwi squad for the world cup is as follows – Stephen Fleming (captain)

Daniel Vettori (vice captain)
Shane Bond
James Franklin
Peter Fulton
Mark Gillespie
Brendan McCullum (wicket keeper)
Craig McMillan
Michael Mason
Jacob Oram
Jeetan Patel
Scott Styris
Ross Taylor
Daryl Tuffey
Lou Vincent

On current form, this kiwi team is arguably the best in the world – after all it takes quite something to white wash an Australian Team (even a depleted one).

But fortunately for the rest of the world, the kiwis do not have a history of being exceptional on big arenas. The closest they had come to winning the title was at home in ’92, when some brilliant innovation by Crowe and rampant clubbing by Greatbatch saw them win it all, but lose to the eventual champions Pakistan in the semis. They almost beat Aussies in the quarterfinals of ’96 before Mark Waugh scored his third century of the tournament to put an end to the kiwi aspirations. They reached the semis thrice more – meekly surrendering to the West Indians in ’75, almost beating England in ’79 and bowing to the class of Saeed Anwar in ’99.

This time, the kiwis are brimming with confidence. They also have a squad that is not only packed with all-rounders (who are so crucial in the one day format of the game), but all-rounders who are all in exceptional form. Infact, the rather sudden retirement of their most successful one day cricketer, Nathan Astle, would come as a blessing in disguise to Fleming, who would otherwise have had the most horrible of problems in picking the eleven.

Let’s analyze the individual disciplines -

Batting –

The Kiwis bat extremely deep… With Vincent and Fleming opening, the middle order is packed with the likes of Taylor, Fulton, Styris, McMillan, Oram and McCullum. Taylor and Fulton, though new to the world arena, are considered exceptional talents and have already been marked by the experts as the ‘guys to watch out for’ during this tournament. Styris and Oram are huge hitters of the ball and with the return of McMillan, the middle order is packed with giants. Further down we have McCullum, who is turning out to be an expert finisher and the bowlers Vettori and Franklin, who are both, more than handy with the bat. Though devoid of stars, this batting order is definitely one that is worth watching.

Bowling –

A fully fit Shane Bond is the most potent bowler in the world today, and if the last few matches were an indicator, Bond definitely would like to settle some of the unsettled scores of the last edition. Aiding him is Tuffey, who after a long hiatus, is still able keep the batsmen jumping around. Franklin and Gillespie are extremely talented, while Mason has had many splendid seasons in New Zealand domestic cricket. Vettori is undoubtedly the best left spinner in the world today and Jeetan Patel (whenever he plays) can certainly contribute too.

Keeping –

McCullum is definitely safe behind the stumps and more than handy in front. Vincent has enough keeping experience to be the back-up.

Fielding –

The Kiwis were always considered exceptional fielders. But those were the days of Harris and Co. In today’s world, were teams are constantly trying to outdo the standards of the Gibbs, the Yuvrajs, the Kaifs and the Collingwoods, the kiwis are way below in the list of exceptional fielding sides. They are very good at times, but are equally dismal at most others.

My First Playing Eleven –

Vincent
Fleming
Taylor
Fulton
McMillan
Oram
McCullum
Vettori
Franklin
Gillespie
Bond

Purely on individual talent and potential, this would be rated the best one-day lineup in the world today. The top 9 can all bat, while 10 and 11 have the potential to give it a whack as well. It has a 3 man pace attack with Vettori providing some very useful left arm spin in the middle order. Oram with his pace and McMillan with those medium pacers are capable of bowling their quota of 10 whenever needed. Vincent is capable of some slow deliveries too.

Styris would be unlucky, so would be Tuffey and Mason. Patel, inspite of his talent can’t find himself in the same eleven as Vettori – but these are good problems to have – ‘Problems of Plenty’. However, with the absence of Oram, due to injury, Scotty could get a chance to play the initial matches and make a mark for himself.

The team definitely has a huge chance to reach the Semis… from there-on; it’s just a matter of 2 good games…

Team Pakistan – Plenty of Problems…

The Pakistani squad for the world cup is as follows –

Inzamam-ul-Haq (captain)
Younis Khan (vice-captain)
Abdul Razzaq
Danish Kaneria
Iftikhar Anjum
Imran Nazir
Kamran Akmal (wicketkeeper)
Mohammad Asif
Mohammad Hafeez
Mohammad Yousuf
Naved-ul-Hasan
Shahid Afridi
Shoaib Akhtar
Shoaib Malik
Umar Gul

Over the years Pakistan has got the distinction of being the most unpredictable team in international cricket. A team historically capable of producing cricketing moments of brilliant heights (as well as atrocious depths) with alarming frequency, no one can ever write them off an event until the proverbial fat lady starts singing.

In ’75 they missed the semifinal bus after having the eventual winners West Indies on the mat for most of the day, but then letting the tenth wicket pair of Andy Roberts and Murray add 63 runs to take the match away with 2 balls to spare. Then in ’79 they romped to the semis and almost won it too, before their famed middle order collapsed to the slow bowling prowess of a certain Viv Richards. They repeated the act in ’83 too, but this time they just couldn’t muster the will to give a fight, setting the West Indians a very small target of 184, which ironically was a run more than what the Indians set the West Indies in the finals. In ’87 they overcame the West Indian hurdle by the narrowest of margin, but went down to the eventual winners. Then in ’92, having gained just 3 points from 5 matches and after being written off by everyone including their own countrymen, Pakistan aided by ample luck and the raw aggression of two of their future greats (Akram and Inzy), won everything there-on to eventually win the cup. ’96 saw them win almost everything in sight, until they hit a road block called Jadeja and Prasad. ’99 saw them lose to Bangladesh, but go on to the Finals to eventually lose very tamely to the Australians. 2003 was completely forgettable as they failed to even make the super sixes.

Can it get more inconsistent and unpredictable???? Expect nothing different this time too…

However this time, the Pakistanis have more problems to take care off – the pace bowling trio of Akthar, Asif and Gul are still not certainties. The team having been brutally vanquished by the South Africans, are certainly very low on morale. And to top that is the bad blood within the team – Inzy-Akthar, Woolmer-Akthar, Younis-Afridi to just name a few…

Let’s analyze the individual disciplines -

Batting –

On their day, this batting order is capable of achieving impossible heights (ask the South Africans) but then most days are not their days… The main problem is their not-yet-stabilized opening slots. Akmal, Nazir, Hafees, Malik are all capable of opening, but the slot is not yet finalized. The middle order is rock steady with the likes of Younis, Yousuf and Inzy capable enough to hold fort or slog. The lower middle order is once again inconsistent with Afridi and Razzaq generally promising more than they can offer. The depth in the batting is among the best in the business and if used effectively it could be a match winning one too.

Bowling –

The Pakistanis are famed for their potent bowling attacks and this time too it is no different (atleast it looks Potent enough on Paper). The drawback however is that none of the strike bowlers (Asif, Akthar and Gul) are certainties yet. Naved Hassan is fast becoming the most preferred bowler, of batting attacks during the power plays and death. Razzaq is no longer menacing enough. That leaves us with the spinners… Having Kaneria may turn out to be a great option on the slow pitches of the West Indies – but would Inzy have enough confidence to let him bowl on these small grounds and also compromise on the depth of the batting order is anyone’s guess. Afridi, Malik and Hafees too can bowl tidy spells.

Keeping –

Akmal is the keeper and though not the best in the business, his batting ability certainly lets him be the first choice. However his horrible form (both in front and behind the stumps) would be a point of huge concern.

Fielding –

In-spite of all the efforts of the coach and the support staff, Pakistanis are definitely not a great fielding side. With the occasional brilliance of Younis, there is very little else to write about.

My First Playing Eleven –

Imran Nazir
Akmal
Younis
Yousuf
Inzamam
Shoaib Malik
Afridi
Razzaq
Akthar
Asif
Gul

The line-up definitely looks good on paper – a long batting order, 4 fast bowlers, 3 part time spinners – looks perfect. But how many would be match fit is an impossible question to answer.

Team South Africa – Hot Favourites...

The South African squad for the world cup is as follows –

Graeme Smith (captain)
Jacques Kallis
Loots Bosman
Mark Boucher
AB de Villiers
Herschelle Gibbs
Andrew Hall
Justin Kemp
Charl Langeveldt
Andre Nel
Makhaya Ntini
Robin Peterson
Shaun Pollock
Ashwell Prince
Roger Telemachus.

South Africa is today the No.1 Limited Overs Cricket Team in the world, displacing the Australians who had made that spot their own, ever since the ratings were introduced about 5 years ago. While many may argue that South Africa didn’t earn the top spot and that it was only gifted to them by the hectic-beyond-belief schedule of an injury ridden Australia and some outrageous display of cricket by Messrs. Collingwood and McMillan, the fact remains that South Africa has been the only team that has played the most consistent cricket over the past year or so. By retaining most of the players that have played in the run-up to the big tournament, South Africa would be hoping that they continue their golden run for another 2 months at least.

Let’s analyze the individual disciplines -

Batting –

Smith, Bosman, AB de Villiers and Gibbs at the top (though only 2 or 3 of them would be in the eleven) is probably the most aggressive top order combinations in world cricket today. Kallis and Prince in the middle order could serve as the perfect defensive foil, sandwiched between the aggressive top order and the over-aggressive lower middle order comprising of Kemp, Boucher and Pollock. The all-round options – Hall, Telemachus and Peterson can more than whack the ball whenever they are given the opportunity. This is definitely a batting order to die for…

Bowling –

The aggression of Ntini and Nel, the impeccable line and length of Pollock, the accuracy of Langeveldt and Telemachus and finally the options provided by the all-rounders Kallis, Kemp and Hall – what more could you ask? Smith has always preferred to play 4 seamers and bowl a little bit of spin himself. But in the slower pitches West Indies he could be well served to retain the services of Peterson. This bowling attack has been the primary reason for South African emphatic victories in the last 2 series (ask the Indians and Pakistanis) – only time will tell, if they can be as effective in the West Indies too.

Keeping –

Boucher is the first keeper with AB de Villiers providing back-up options.

Fielding –

This is the best fielding side in the world – no discussion needed on that… Right from Bosman and AB de Villiers (who surprisingly looks a lot like Johnty) to the old statesman Pollock – they are all just superb.

Guys counting themselves lucky –

Most of them deserve their place in the team but one person who would feel extremely lucky is Peterson, especially considering how effective Harris was in the test series against India and Pakistan

Guys who would be complaining –

Harris for the above said reason.

Johan van der Wath, who in-spite of being a better hard hitting new ball bowler than Telemachus, lost out because he was directly competing with Ntini and Pollock.

Dippenaar and Rudolph, for being the docile run accumulators in this aggressive and flamboyant cricketing form.

My First Playing Eleven –

Smith
Bosman
Kallis
Gibbs
AB de Villiers
Kemp
Boucher
Pollock
Hall
Nel
Ntini

How could someone find anything wrong with the above playing eleven? But my guess is that Smith would prefer opening with AB de Villiers and bringing in Prince for Bosman at 5. Even then it is as good as it can get…

Steve Waugh, very famously had described the South Africans as a group of chokers and he wasn’t wrong at all. They have been the favourites in all world cups since ‘92 and they have been very successfully managing to get eliminated much before the championship game. If it was the very strange Rain Rule in ‘92, it was a blitz of an innings from Lara’s in ‘96, then it was the nervous duo of Donald and Klusener in ‘99 and finally the communication (or lack of it) between the captain Pollock and vice-captain Boucher in the rain-marred match in ‘03. Only time will tell if ‘07 will be South Africa’s…

News related to India Squad

Here are a few links to stories related to the selection of the Indian Squad -

• Zee News has this detailed anaysis of the 15. Though there are loads of factual errors (It says Uthappa scored a century on debut), it still makes for interesting reading.
• Sriram, a fellow blogger and a part time rediff contributor gives his analysis of the squad.
• Harsha Bhogle in his Indian Express column gives his rather honest opinion on Sehwag's need of the hour.
• Ravi Shastri in his Hindutan Times column gives his go-ahead on the team selected, but warns us to be wary of the West Indian tracks.
• This Indian Express story gives a rather interesting comparison between a forgotten hero and an eternally underachieving one.
  
• This story in the Mumbai Mirror Online, tries to find why Vengsarkar and Co. chose these 15 in particular.
• Another fellow blogger gives his Two Cents worth of opinion on the selected Squad.
• Finally this hilarious (for lack of another word) story by God knows who, on how Greg Chappell has made sure the team is under-prepared :) While it is grammatically and factually attrocious, it sure makes for fun reading. Read on....

To add to the above, here are a few quotes from the people who matter -

"I sincerely feel that I deserve a couple of chances to prove myself all over again. I have played for India over six years and 100 ODIs with distinction, so that stage is passed where I have to prove my capabilities. It's just about getting runs in the kitty. Until I get that opportunity, how do I show my form."
Mohammad Kaif shows his disappointment on not getting enough chances.

“Whatever talent the team management has seen in Raina, the youngster has done well to conceal it on the international stage."
Krish Srikkanth questions Suresh Raina's presence in the team

"The last World Cup was four years ago. Now it's 2007. I played in the 1987 World Cup, 1983 and 1979 also. Will you pick me?"
Dilip Vengsarkar replies to a reporter who rather foolishly questioned why Ashish Nehra wasn't included in the World Cup probables based on his exploits in the 2003 edition

Team India - Too Many Daddies...

The squad for the world cup is as follows –

Dravid
Tendulkar
Ganguly
Sehwag
Uthappa
Yuvraj
Dhoni
Karthick
Pathan
Kumble
Harbhajan
Zaheer
Sreeshanth
Agarkar
Munaf

Let’s analyze the individual disciplines -

Batting -

On paper, this is the most fearsome batting attack in the world today. But then the problem is that we are not playing on paper :) However jokes apart, the batting order is indeed among the best. Take Ponting, Jayasurya and Lara out of the equation and you will find the combined 15s of all other teams put together (and that is 222 other players), not equaling the number of centuries scored by our top 5 batsmen. The highest score of 3 of our batsmen are in the 180s (a feat no other currently playing in this world cup has achieved). Each of the top 7 in the list is capable of producing that match turning flash-in-the-pan knocks that so crucially decides the outcome of a limited overs match.

The drawback however is that by taking along only 8 batsmen we are carrying too little reserve strength. With 7 batsmen sure to play every match, an injury or lack of form to even one could cause a total imbalance. Moreover with too many batsmen vying for the opening 2 slots, Dravid sure has a problem on his hand. Added to that is the presence of Karthick – in spite of all his enthusiasm and energy, he still does not possess the flamboyance or range of shots that is so required in limited overs cricket today. But then with the kind of pitches expected in the West Indies, he could well turn out to be the proverbial dark horse.

Bowling –

5 fast bowlers and 2 spinners is definitely too much of baggage to be carried. With Sehwag, Tendulkar , Ganguly and Yuvraj more than capable to take care of 10 – 20 overs among themselves, India need to play only 4 bowlers in any match – that would mean 3 bowlers cooling their heals and at least one or two not getting any match for sure. With Munaf getting back to form and Zaheer bringing around those stunning opening spells against left handers (almost all teams have at least one left-handed opening bat) the opening attack definitely looks real potent. It is the middle overs that we have a problem. Sreeshanth tends to give away too many hit-me balls. Agarkar is in-consistent beyond belief. Pathan is way too low on form and confidence. Harbhajan has been doing very little over the past 6 months and Kumble has not been the same old strike bowler for over a decade now.

India’s best bet is to take early wickets and then use the other bowlers to try restricting the opposition to below 230.

Keeping –

We are probably the only team to be carrying two keepers, though time and again we have been reminded that Karthick has been chosen as a pure batsman only. Ironically Karthick is the better keeper among the two, but Dhoni has enough ammunitions in his batting armory to cover up those very minor blemishes he makes behind the stumps. Though not yet as proven as Gilchrist, for his sheer ability to turn matches around consistently, Dhoni would find himself ahead of both Boucher and McCullum as the joint best keeper along with Gilchrist today.

Fielding –

About a year back we could have counted ourselves as having the best offside field within the 30 yard circle in the form of Yuvraj, Kaif and Raina. But now with Kaif and Raina missing, our fielding not only looks weak but quite dismal too. Both the captain and the coach have repeatedly emphasized that our fielding is the weakest link and that we need to cover it up by scoring more and getting scored off lesser. But in the slow conditions of West Indies, where scores of 250 would be effective, those 20-30 runs saved on the field could end up making all the difference.

Guys counting themselves lucky and whom they should be thanking –

Uthappa – He should thank the South African tour for showing Kaif, Mongia and Raina the door.

Karthick – The South African tour and that one 20-20 innings in particular.

Sehwag – A whole lot of people, but in particular the captain.

Yuvraj – He needs to thank everyone who helped him in getting his knee healed.

Pathan – The Mumbai Ranji team for collapsing to 0/5 during their semi-final clash.

Munaf – Of course the physio and those 2 opening spells against Sri Lanka.

Guys who would be complaining –

Kaif – For not being given a chance (at home) to prove himself.

Laxman – For everything that the selectors have been doing to him – why did they even have to fly him to South Africa if he was never in the reckoning?

Mongia & Raina – They have only themselves to blame for not making anything out of the innumerable chances given.

Powar – He needs to blame the country for already producing two really good spinners at about the same time – after all that is the reason given for his non-selection.

Joginder Sharma & RP Singh – Well, if that one itsy bitsy chance was all that would be given – why even bother by pulling them into the scheme of things.

My First Playing Eleven –

1. Saurav
2. Robin
3. Sachin
4. Yuvraj
5. Dravid
6. Sehwag
7. Dhoni
8. Pathan
9. Kumble
10. Zaheer
11. Munaf

But the team management is sure to go in with 5 bowlers by dropping Robin and having Irfan as the number 7 batsman. Agarkar would come in at No.8 and Sehwag could open. While there are many who could agree with the theory that the number 8 need not bat and Pathan would be useless with the bat at that position – I would want to differ by pointing out that Pollock, Vettori, Razzack, Vaas and Lee come in at No.8 and provide that crucial difference in their team’s batting order. By moving Pathan to 7, we would not only be creating a rather long tail (Agarkar has ceased being an all-rounder for ages now) but also would have unnecessary redundancy of the all round capabilities of Sachin, Saurav, Sehwag and Yuvraj.

The Great Indian Circus

Chairman – Okay guys, now that we have had our coffee, biscuits and the regular dose of small talk – let’s decide on the team.

Selector 2 – Oh! Yes. It is getting late. The press would get suspicious if we claim to have deliberated for too long. After all the team for the last world cup was decided in less than 2 hours… We have already spent more than that time in this room – we better hurry up.

Selector 3 – yes, that’s true. So how do we start?

Chairman – Let’s start with the 30 probables list.

Selector 4 – What do you mean by the 30 probables? We all know half of them were only there to make up numbers. Let’s not waste time in discussing the unnecessary.

Chairman – Alright; so let’s start with the certainties. Which is the first name?

Selector 2 – Obviously it is Sachin…

Selector 4 – What do you mean it is obviously Sachin? How can you choose him first over the captain?

Selector 3 – Because he is ‘The Sachin’. And why are you so upset? Is it because the captain is from your zone?

Selector 4 – Maybe yes, maybe no – but I strongly suggest that the captains name should be first.

Chairman – Alright now; let’s not argue about this let’s choose the first two names together. So it will be Sachin and Rahul.

Selector 4 – Why is it Sachin and Rahul – it should be Rahul and Sachin.

Chairman – Okay, Selector 4; I guess you should give up. The majority is against you. But to appease you I propose that you get an extra representation in the squad from your zone.

Selector 4 – That’s good enough.

Chairman – Selector 5, you have been silent throughout for a change. Don’t you have anything to say?

Selector 5 – I’m here only to fight for Saurav and ensure he is in the team. But now that Saurav has picked himself with his recent form, I have decided to stay silent during this meeting. Anyways, how many do I get this time?

Chairman – As usual - not more than 2. Why; do you have more requirements?

Selector 5 – Yes, Sunny spoke to me this morning about Rohan. But then if it is only 2, I would rather have Mahi with Saurav.

Selector 3 – You are right. I was speaking with Mahi’s agent the other day and he explained how crores were riding on Mahi during this world cup season. After all he has been declared by the press as the next big thing after Sachin.

Chairman – Also, Sunny needs a dose of this. He keeps talking all over ESPN and STAR about what a lousy job we are doing. Let Rohan continue to play with Bengal for some more time.

Selector 5 – So that’s finalized – it will be Saurav and Mahi.

Chairman – That takes care of Selector 5. Now Selector 4 - So who do you have in mind?

Selector 4 – Well I had only 4 names – but now that you have given me an extra one I’m just a little confused.

Selector 2 – What’s so confusing? The captain is a certainty. The press has been claiming that Robin and Sree are the next super stars. And then you have the 2 old war horses Anil and VVS.

Selector 4 – That’s right. But the chairman has gone around claiming that these 2 horses are very old and unfit for war. How can we pick them now? Also the president had promised the TN board that there would be at least one player from TN this time.

Chairman – That’s true. We need to pick somebody from TN. Forget the president; I’m more worried about Krish Sreekanth. He has threatened to come to my place and talk to my entire family in Hindi if there is no representation from his state this time also.

Selector 3 – So what’s the big deal – drop Sree and pick Dinesh. You can also use him as the reserve keeper. Let the lad make some money – Parthiv made tons during the last cup and he has already gone into semi-retirement. That is good for us – lesser headaches during selection.

Chairman – No, that can’t be done. The president is planning to have a break dance program by Sree during his grand son’s birthday party and if not selected, Sree might not agree.

Selector 4 – Okay, so we will have to drop one of the horses. I will toss a coin; if it is heads Anil is in – you can tell the press that Anil got in due to his experience of playing the world cup, while VVS got dropped because the Caribbean pitches does not let the ball carry to the slip region, which is the only place VVS can field. On the other hand if it is tails – VVS gets in. That way you can say VVS got picked to bolster the middle order while Anil was unlucky because the Caribbean pitches does not assist leg spinners bowling over 100 kmph.

Chairman – Now that it is tails, Selector 4 also is taken care of – it will be Rahul, Anil, Robin, Sree and Dinesh. Now my zone; As usual I get 5 – do any of you have any suggestions.

Selector 2 – Sachin is already in and you have only 5 more from which you need to pick 4. And going by form and injury it is a toss-up for 2 spots between Irfan, Ramesh and Munaf.

Selector 3 – ICC has clearly told all the boards that they would provide the pitch - rollers and we need not carry our own. So I guess we should drop Ramesh.

Chairman – You are right. That way we can save some money for the board. You know how these airlines charge double fare for over-weight passengers.

Selector 2 – But what would you tell the press. This guy has been bowling pretty well.

Chairman – Of course the standard dialogue – “His name came up for discussion but unfortunately we just couldn’t squeeze him into the team”. Alright, now I have my 5. It will be – Sachin, Ajit, Zaheer, Irfan and Munaf. It’s you two next. You can pick 3 among yourselves.

Selector 3 – But why do both of us together have only 3?

Chairman – That’s because of what your respective zonal boards did during the last elections. I’m sorry guys, but the instruction from the president is clear – not more than 3.

Selector 2 – But we had the maximum representation in the probables list. How can we pick just 3. There are too many in the fray – Yuvi, Bhajji, Mongia, Viru, Suresh, Kaifu, Gautam, Joginder, RP, VRV – and not to forget the new sensation Ishant that the press is talking about.

Chairman – I will help you sort this mess. Let’s do the rejection method – Ishant is still new, he can get more chances. Joginder is too boring and accept it, Haryana would need him for its matches; who else is there to help it win? Sachin and Saurav have said that they would require keeping gloves while fielding in slips, if VRV is chosen; and you can’t blame them because most of VRV’s balls reach them – so let’s not pick him. RP can’t speak English; it would be a shame if he wins a ‘man of the match’ award and is asked to speak on TV; so he too is dropped. Gautam is anyway coming back to the test team during our next tour; so he can make his money that way. Mongia anyways has seen one world cup – so he should give somebody else a chance. So who does that leave us with?

Selector 3 – Yuvi, Bhajji, Viru, Kaifu and Suresh. Let’s pick Yuvi and Bhajji and one more from the rest.

Selector 2 – You need to pick Suresh. I’m not saying this only because he is from my zone but also because he is the brightest natural talent that we have today.

Chairman – That’s true. But since Suresh has managed to hide all his talent so brilliantly at the international level – I guess we should hide him from the world too.

Selector 3 – That leaves us with one from 2 – who will it be; Viru or Kaifu?

Selector 2 – I propose Kaifu. He is the better fielder and he was the best batsman during the last tour of West Indies.

Selector 3,4,5 – We all propose the same too.

Chairman – We have a problem here. Rahul has specifically asked for Viru. You know how the coach gets on everyone’s nerves once in a while. Apparently Viru is the only one who manages to keep the coach in his place. So Rahul desperately wants him.

Selector 2 – So that does it. Viru is selected and that completes our 15. Now let us go announce to the world the results…..