A week in which I had the party of my life at The Ramada; a week in which Muckshay (Mr.Shell) complimented me twice for the content on my blog and then linked all this crap on his blog; a week in which my academic output touched a nadir and then the icing on the cake-The commencement of the IXth Cricket World Cup.
Even though the Opening Ceremony lacked the pomp and colour of the previous one in South Africa, the way of life in the Caribbean was captured impressively and as is the case with everything else associated with this World Cup, people were willing to accommodate all the little glitches for this is the place where the Calypso style took its roots.
The tournament got off to a cracking start with two evenly matched sides on one of the finest one-day wickets I have seen. West Indies outplayed and outclassed Pakistan courtesy the 'Dwaynes'. The performance convinced me even more that Brian Lara is the most under-rated captain in World Cricket and that the West Indies will go a long way as predicted in http://adidasaddict.blogspot.com/2007/03/world-cup-swat-west-indies.html
This is a side that understands its limitations and Lara demoting himself was not a defensive move as suggested but an aggressive one giving sufficient leeway to the prodigal Samuels and attractive Sarwan to dominate. Gayle's sudden propensity to get himself out within the first couple of overs should be rectified with the minnows up next. Even though the bowling is considered to be their achilles' heel, what one saw was nothing short of world-class. Powell, Taylor and Colleymore constitute a high quality combination of pace combined with swing and accuracy. They have options and variety in the form of Bravo, Smith, Gayle and Samuels and an astute captain. If West Indies are able to hold back Smith as effectively as they were able to do while batting against Pakistan, expect some carnage.
Pakistan surprised nobody with their performance and tactical ineptitude. They continue experimenting with their openers thus depriving themselves of some well needed depth in their cricket. Inzy batting down the order is a decision taken out of fear for he is one of the finest players of fast bowling going around. Younis Khan needs to open the innings along with the talented Hafeez who should be told to curb that rush of blood. That would mean Shoaib Malik doesn't always fight out a lost cause as has become the case. Azhar Mahmood could add some tooth to an attack short on penetration. Their bowling is at best disciplined with the outstanding Gul their only real wicket taker. Naved's selection is bemusing to say the least. Akmal bats as if he needs to head to the loo real quick and the less said about Pakistan and its fielding, the better.
India needs to take in some lessons from the Pak. match for its side is structurally very similar to the Pakistan one, admittedly with more spine in the batting department. The way West Indies were able to wriggle their way out of trouble against Kaneria and Hafeez (read Harbhajan and Sehwag) should serve a reminder to Dravid about the need to play Pathan be it as opener. Spinners the world over are no longer a major wicket taking force and Pathan bowling cutters and opening the innings would not be a very bad idea against Bermuda and Bangladesh. The Bangladesh game will be a close one and will be watched with great interest. India struggled against Samuels and Gayle the last time they were here and coupled with India's inability to deal with left arm spin of late, it will be interesting to see whether Tendulkar and Sehwag in the middle order can deal with the impressive left arm trio of Rafique, Razzak and Saqibul. Aftab and Ashraful are the two match winners with the bat and Harbhajan and co. will have a contest on hand. India should win a close encounter.
England continue to be nothing but an over hyped side with its contingent of coat and tie commentators inculcated in the MCG manuals and their defeat against New Zealand highlighted the lack of depth and quality in their cricket. Kenya will trouble them on a slow track as will Ireland trouble Pakistan on a quick Sabina Park track.
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Monday, March 05, 2007
Snapshots of something by the name of Opulence
Hehe! Food up for grabs (FOR FREE)!!
We ain't too far behind!!
Mother of Big Arguments
"........with engineers let us have sex".
Does Kota get a quota here too??
MBA or not, too young to be marrying........
And the perception is that 4th yearites are a lazy lot!!
And some most photogenic faces !!
Leveraging the 'spotLIGHT' !
The magnum opus!!
And I thought Opulence was the Annual National Management blablabla
MANAGING with bare minimum necessities??
A house packed! Or shall we call it 'Kakared'??
Some are a bit hard to please.....
In NAPt attention!!
Even Prahlad Kakar goes around with 'Black Cats'!!
Czar of the War finalists
Prisoners of War???
Star-gazing for 50,000 in cash...
Czar of the War finals in progress
The Czar of the War
Anwesh (IBMT, Bangalore)
Brimming or rather Grinning with cash
P.S. All characters appearing in the above work of art are partly fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living,dead or sleeping, is not entirely coincidental. The author disclaims any responsibility in case of copyright infringements or violations and has hence deliberately not included himself in any of the snapshots inspite of being the chief protagonist, planner, schemer and executionist par excellence of Opulence 2007.
The above was just a snapshot of Opulence 2007. In case you want the complete collection of Opulence 2007 photographs for free, mail the author at varun.adidas@gmail.com
* Shipping charges and service tax rates apply
Saturday, March 03, 2007
The World Cup Swat- West Indies
WEST INDIES
Strengths: On paper, possess all the virtues of a good one-day unit: a free flowing top order; a stylish middle order; a dangerous lower order; a fine fielding unit and some attacking fast bowlers. Sarwan's return will supplement Lara, Samuels and Bravo. In Powell, Taylor, Colleymore and Bradshaw, the Caribbeans possess an attack that is penetrating but at the same time accurate.
Weaknesses: A long tail and an erratic wicketkeeper prone to rushes of blood. Inconsistency has been the bane of West Indies cricket with collapses having become routine. Very suspect temperament of the younger lot. Gayle, Sarwan and Samuels are not success stories against the best in the world.
Opportunities: Playing hosts. West Indies is unique for the conditions you get across the various grounds during different months of the year. First time international cricket is being played here so early in the season. With the spotlight on them, there is very little opportunity for players to wander into forbidden pastimes. Brian Charles Lara is in his last ODI series and he is special! An easy opener against a depleted Pakistan
Threats: Pressure of being hosts. A very demanding population. Likely to win their group emphatically and so complacency could creep in which is so typical of them. The curse on the host nation!
Counsel: Be ralaxed and enjoy the experience. Use Sarwan lower down the order and Ramdin higher up. Play just one of Taylor and Powell. Lara should come in no higher than 5.
Verdict: Their brand of cricket plus their familiarity should find them a spot in the semis. The pressure of the big situation will get to them after that. Expect Taylor and Samuels to establish themselves.
Strengths: On paper, possess all the virtues of a good one-day unit: a free flowing top order; a stylish middle order; a dangerous lower order; a fine fielding unit and some attacking fast bowlers. Sarwan's return will supplement Lara, Samuels and Bravo. In Powell, Taylor, Colleymore and Bradshaw, the Caribbeans possess an attack that is penetrating but at the same time accurate.
Weaknesses: A long tail and an erratic wicketkeeper prone to rushes of blood. Inconsistency has been the bane of West Indies cricket with collapses having become routine. Very suspect temperament of the younger lot. Gayle, Sarwan and Samuels are not success stories against the best in the world.
Opportunities: Playing hosts. West Indies is unique for the conditions you get across the various grounds during different months of the year. First time international cricket is being played here so early in the season. With the spotlight on them, there is very little opportunity for players to wander into forbidden pastimes. Brian Charles Lara is in his last ODI series and he is special! An easy opener against a depleted Pakistan
Threats: Pressure of being hosts. A very demanding population. Likely to win their group emphatically and so complacency could creep in which is so typical of them. The curse on the host nation!
Counsel: Be ralaxed and enjoy the experience. Use Sarwan lower down the order and Ramdin higher up. Play just one of Taylor and Powell. Lara should come in no higher than 5.
Verdict: Their brand of cricket plus their familiarity should find them a spot in the semis. The pressure of the big situation will get to them after that. Expect Taylor and Samuels to establish themselves.
The World Cup Swat- Sri Lanka
SRI LANKA
Strengths: The islanders arrive into this tournament with a formidable top order, a solid middle order and an effective lower middle order. Jayasuriya, Tharanga and Sangakkara are in scintillating form. Murali makes Sri Lanka the only side in the tournament which can attack in the middle overs. A pair of promising quickies to boot. Can compete with the best in the field.
Weaknesses: Overseas record; the form of Attapattu and Jayawardene; a longish tail; a waning Chaminda Vaas and a couple of profligate fast bowlers.
Opportunities: The venue for the Group Matches, Trinidad resembles the Premadasa as far as nature of the pitch is concerned and should ease them into the tournament. Haven't locked horns with the major powers for some time which gives them scope to surprise.
Threats: India in the Group Stages who have had the Mickey on them of late. Their three major role players still nostalgic and overcome by the '96 experience. A good finish would please most.
Counsel: Assign roles to batsmen. Too many similar batsmen seeking identity in the middle order. Be selective with the bat. Attack with the ball and use Fernando and Malinga. Lay emphasis on wickets with Murali. Don't be the usual defensive self on the field.
Verdict: Will push hard but just miss out on the semis. Lack of ambition amongst many members of the team and a general easy going nature of team evident in India. A star will be born in the form of Upul Tharanga. Vaas, Atapattu and Jayasuriya will quit in unspectacular fashion.
Strengths: The islanders arrive into this tournament with a formidable top order, a solid middle order and an effective lower middle order. Jayasuriya, Tharanga and Sangakkara are in scintillating form. Murali makes Sri Lanka the only side in the tournament which can attack in the middle overs. A pair of promising quickies to boot. Can compete with the best in the field.
Weaknesses: Overseas record; the form of Attapattu and Jayawardene; a longish tail; a waning Chaminda Vaas and a couple of profligate fast bowlers.
Opportunities: The venue for the Group Matches, Trinidad resembles the Premadasa as far as nature of the pitch is concerned and should ease them into the tournament. Haven't locked horns with the major powers for some time which gives them scope to surprise.
Threats: India in the Group Stages who have had the Mickey on them of late. Their three major role players still nostalgic and overcome by the '96 experience. A good finish would please most.
Counsel: Assign roles to batsmen. Too many similar batsmen seeking identity in the middle order. Be selective with the bat. Attack with the ball and use Fernando and Malinga. Lay emphasis on wickets with Murali. Don't be the usual defensive self on the field.
Verdict: Will push hard but just miss out on the semis. Lack of ambition amongst many members of the team and a general easy going nature of team evident in India. A star will be born in the form of Upul Tharanga. Vaas, Atapattu and Jayasuriya will quit in unspectacular fashion.
The World Cup Swat- South Africa
SOUTH AFRICA
Strengths: A well oiled machinery and an impeccable fielding unit. Great depth in batting with effective finishers like Kemp, Boucher and Pollock to supplement the flair of Kallis, Gibbs and Smith. Fiery fast bowling unit.
Weaknesses: Suspect mental temperament and an unnerring ability to choke. Bowling attack one dimensional with negligible slow bowling options and a batting line-up that is vulnerable to high quality fast or spin bowling. A captain who loses his cool when the going gets tough.
Opportunities: The game against Australia could be the springboard for a great campaign. Have the best record in the Caribbean of all the teams. With boundaries likely to be at a premium, their fielding could shut teams out. Teams will be wary of the numero uno.
Threats: Sense of complacency. Their run in recent times has been at home where they are pretty much invincible. Seamer friendly conditions back home have blinded them of the lack of variety in their attack. A single defeat and it could all unravel.
Counsel: Hit the ground hard and aggressive. Try and dominate the opposition thus leveraging your opposition. Make others fear you and therein lies your best chance. Use Andrew Hall and Pollock judiciously with the old and new ball respectively. Kallis should bat at 3 and told to play aggressively.
Verdict: See them losing to Australia in the Group Stages and things going badly thereafter. Too much sameness in the bowling attack will see them clobbered by good batsmen. Top sides will sort their top order out. No semifinal berth.
Strengths: A well oiled machinery and an impeccable fielding unit. Great depth in batting with effective finishers like Kemp, Boucher and Pollock to supplement the flair of Kallis, Gibbs and Smith. Fiery fast bowling unit.
Weaknesses: Suspect mental temperament and an unnerring ability to choke. Bowling attack one dimensional with negligible slow bowling options and a batting line-up that is vulnerable to high quality fast or spin bowling. A captain who loses his cool when the going gets tough.
Opportunities: The game against Australia could be the springboard for a great campaign. Have the best record in the Caribbean of all the teams. With boundaries likely to be at a premium, their fielding could shut teams out. Teams will be wary of the numero uno.
Threats: Sense of complacency. Their run in recent times has been at home where they are pretty much invincible. Seamer friendly conditions back home have blinded them of the lack of variety in their attack. A single defeat and it could all unravel.
Counsel: Hit the ground hard and aggressive. Try and dominate the opposition thus leveraging your opposition. Make others fear you and therein lies your best chance. Use Andrew Hall and Pollock judiciously with the old and new ball respectively. Kallis should bat at 3 and told to play aggressively.
Verdict: See them losing to Australia in the Group Stages and things going badly thereafter. Too much sameness in the bowling attack will see them clobbered by good batsmen. Top sides will sort their top order out. No semifinal berth.
The World Cup Swat- Pakistan
PAKISTAN
Strengths: A vastly experienced middle order with Younis, Yousuf and Inzamam besides Mr. Bang Bang, Afridi. Exciting young fast bowlers and a high quality leg-spin bowler in Kaneria.
Weaknesses: A top-order that excites none but the opposition; a prodigal wicket-keeper; a highly immobile fielding unit; a long tail and a bowling attack high on quality but very low on form. Akthar and Asif were touted to be the remedy for their ills but without them and that wily customer, Abdur Razzaq, their attack is pretty uni-dimensional.
Opportunities: Pakistan's cricketing history is replete with heroics when least expected and to call the current situation a crisis would be an understatement. Inzamam and Woolmer will find the squad easier to handle without Akthar. Inzy and Yousuf in the twilights of their career. Complacent opposition.
Threats: A tough opener against West Indies especially without Afridi. It could all go wrong from there. Expect some interesting comments by Akthar, Imran and Miandad to fuel the situation.
Counsel: Stick together and be aggressive with the bat but very disciplined with the ball. Cut out the flair play. Maintain a low profile.
Verdict: Difficult to see them make much of an impact. Just too many things weighed up against them. Super Eights is as far as they will get.
Strengths: A vastly experienced middle order with Younis, Yousuf and Inzamam besides Mr. Bang Bang, Afridi. Exciting young fast bowlers and a high quality leg-spin bowler in Kaneria.
Weaknesses: A top-order that excites none but the opposition; a prodigal wicket-keeper; a highly immobile fielding unit; a long tail and a bowling attack high on quality but very low on form. Akthar and Asif were touted to be the remedy for their ills but without them and that wily customer, Abdur Razzaq, their attack is pretty uni-dimensional.
Opportunities: Pakistan's cricketing history is replete with heroics when least expected and to call the current situation a crisis would be an understatement. Inzamam and Woolmer will find the squad easier to handle without Akthar. Inzy and Yousuf in the twilights of their career. Complacent opposition.
Threats: A tough opener against West Indies especially without Afridi. It could all go wrong from there. Expect some interesting comments by Akthar, Imran and Miandad to fuel the situation.
Counsel: Stick together and be aggressive with the bat but very disciplined with the ball. Cut out the flair play. Maintain a low profile.
Verdict: Difficult to see them make much of an impact. Just too many things weighed up against them. Super Eights is as far as they will get.
The World Cup Swat- New Zealand
NEW ZEALAND
Strengths: The most lethal fast bowler in the world, Shane Bond; a most consistent and effective lower middle order; the best spin bowler in world cricket; an astute captain; a great backroom staff but most importantly something quite foreign to New Zealand cricket- some top order batting of note. Like the Proteas, the Black Caps are quite out of this world when it comes to fielding and in Ross Taylor, they seem to have unearthed a gem. Watch out for the old firm in the form of McMillan and Styris.
Weaknesses: Abyssmal history of fitness. Shane Bond is odds on to break down and Jacob Oram might not be the same force irrespective of the number of fingers that he decides to bring along. Lack a central inspirational figure like Chris Cairns; have a poor record on slow tracks; and have very little ammunition in their bowling but for 007. A suspect top order and Kyle Mills' absence might hurt.
Opportunities: With England in the group, an opportunity to coast to the Super Eights. Unknown exciting commodities in the top order and with very few sides having depth in their bowling in one-day cricket, a batting line-up that runs deeper than the Pacific could drown a few teams.
Threats: Very few stand out batsmen or bowlers which could send them burying for cover in the face of quality. They don't go into this tournament as the 'usual' dark horses but as one of the leading contenders and hence, teams are unlikely to be complacent.
Counsel: You have got most things in order, but it wouldn't be a bad idea to play Patel, the off-spinner too, for very few teams do so. Don't play Bond against the minnows and build your campaign around Oram. Make more use of the power plays while batting.
Verdict: Would be a shock if they don't reach the semis and might just creep into the finals but shouldn't win. Rely too much on McCullum and Oram who aren't very effective against spin. Quality teams will take note.
Strengths: The most lethal fast bowler in the world, Shane Bond; a most consistent and effective lower middle order; the best spin bowler in world cricket; an astute captain; a great backroom staff but most importantly something quite foreign to New Zealand cricket- some top order batting of note. Like the Proteas, the Black Caps are quite out of this world when it comes to fielding and in Ross Taylor, they seem to have unearthed a gem. Watch out for the old firm in the form of McMillan and Styris.
Weaknesses: Abyssmal history of fitness. Shane Bond is odds on to break down and Jacob Oram might not be the same force irrespective of the number of fingers that he decides to bring along. Lack a central inspirational figure like Chris Cairns; have a poor record on slow tracks; and have very little ammunition in their bowling but for 007. A suspect top order and Kyle Mills' absence might hurt.
Opportunities: With England in the group, an opportunity to coast to the Super Eights. Unknown exciting commodities in the top order and with very few sides having depth in their bowling in one-day cricket, a batting line-up that runs deeper than the Pacific could drown a few teams.
Threats: Very few stand out batsmen or bowlers which could send them burying for cover in the face of quality. They don't go into this tournament as the 'usual' dark horses but as one of the leading contenders and hence, teams are unlikely to be complacent.
Counsel: You have got most things in order, but it wouldn't be a bad idea to play Patel, the off-spinner too, for very few teams do so. Don't play Bond against the minnows and build your campaign around Oram. Make more use of the power plays while batting.
Verdict: Would be a shock if they don't reach the semis and might just creep into the finals but shouldn't win. Rely too much on McCullum and Oram who aren't very effective against spin. Quality teams will take note.
The World Cup Swat- India
INDIA
Strengths: Possess the form batting order heading into the tournament. An assortment of contemporary greats, useful fast bowlers with the ability to strike early and high quality spinners; on paper, India look to be a major threat. Dravid, Tendulkar, Yuvraj and Dhoni in the middle will supplement a dangerous top order; Munaf and co. will form a probing seam attack and Harbhajan will keep batsmen honest with his tweakers.
Weaknesses: An aged side coupled with Harbhajan's inability to bowl batsmen out means India will struggle in the middle overs. This will be the worst fielding side in the competition with only Pakistan and England for company; bowling at the death has also been an area of concern besides an unsettled opening combination. Question marks persist over Sehwag and Pathan.
Opportunities: The toughest group in tough batting conditions might prove to blessing in disguise. India's record over Sri Lanka has been exemplary and individuals desperate to prove their mettle might just make India an irresistable combination.
Threats: Individuals in the dusk of their career with a weight of achievements behind them. Side too pedigreed and succeptible to major shifts in form & performance. No major expectations within the squad.
Counsel: Forget Sehwag and Uthappa; think of Pathan to partner Ganguly and bowl cutters on the slow tracks. Think of Dhoni as an option in the top order while batting first. Get Kumble playing as second spinner as his intensity would be welcome in the middle overs when India get insipid.
Verdict: This is more of a gut feeling which cannot be rationalised. India look odds on favourite to reach the semi-finals after which individual masterclasses are going to win them the competition. A fitting riposte by Greg Chappell!!!
Strengths: Possess the form batting order heading into the tournament. An assortment of contemporary greats, useful fast bowlers with the ability to strike early and high quality spinners; on paper, India look to be a major threat. Dravid, Tendulkar, Yuvraj and Dhoni in the middle will supplement a dangerous top order; Munaf and co. will form a probing seam attack and Harbhajan will keep batsmen honest with his tweakers.
Weaknesses: An aged side coupled with Harbhajan's inability to bowl batsmen out means India will struggle in the middle overs. This will be the worst fielding side in the competition with only Pakistan and England for company; bowling at the death has also been an area of concern besides an unsettled opening combination. Question marks persist over Sehwag and Pathan.
Opportunities: The toughest group in tough batting conditions might prove to blessing in disguise. India's record over Sri Lanka has been exemplary and individuals desperate to prove their mettle might just make India an irresistable combination.
Threats: Individuals in the dusk of their career with a weight of achievements behind them. Side too pedigreed and succeptible to major shifts in form & performance. No major expectations within the squad.
Counsel: Forget Sehwag and Uthappa; think of Pathan to partner Ganguly and bowl cutters on the slow tracks. Think of Dhoni as an option in the top order while batting first. Get Kumble playing as second spinner as his intensity would be welcome in the middle overs when India get insipid.
Verdict: This is more of a gut feeling which cannot be rationalised. India look odds on favourite to reach the semi-finals after which individual masterclasses are going to win them the competition. A fitting riposte by Greg Chappell!!!
The World Cup Swat- England
ENGLAND
Strengths: For the first time in its history, England goes into a competition on the back of its batting. Bell, Pietersen, Collingwood and Flintoff represent a potent middle order. Flintoff is probably the best third seamer heading into the competition and Panesar has already established himself as an effective spinning option.
Weaknesses: A bowling attack comprising Lewis, Plunkett, Tremlett and Anderson shouldn't make many batsmen lose sleep especially on some of the placid tracks. A below par fielding unit and a succeptible top order plus a captain whose chances of turning up twice in a row is only slightly better tha England's chances of winning the tournament.
Opportunities: The easiest group in the tournament. Have traditionally done well against the Kiwis in one-day cricket and a victory could give them a directional impulse. Opponents might take England a bit too lightly.
Threats: The innate feeling in the side that test match cricket is more challenging. England's team is nothing but a motley crew whose primary idea of a World Cup is a good time in the Caribbean.
Counsel: Keep the beer cans out of bounds and have Michael Vaughan as non- playing captain.
Verdict: The Barmy Army will create more of a flutter than this English team. Will cause an upset or two courtesy Flintoff and Pietersen but the beaches are where you will find the English cricketers during the semi-finals. Duncan Fletcher will bow out with ignomity.
Strengths: For the first time in its history, England goes into a competition on the back of its batting. Bell, Pietersen, Collingwood and Flintoff represent a potent middle order. Flintoff is probably the best third seamer heading into the competition and Panesar has already established himself as an effective spinning option.
Weaknesses: A bowling attack comprising Lewis, Plunkett, Tremlett and Anderson shouldn't make many batsmen lose sleep especially on some of the placid tracks. A below par fielding unit and a succeptible top order plus a captain whose chances of turning up twice in a row is only slightly better tha England's chances of winning the tournament.
Opportunities: The easiest group in the tournament. Have traditionally done well against the Kiwis in one-day cricket and a victory could give them a directional impulse. Opponents might take England a bit too lightly.
Threats: The innate feeling in the side that test match cricket is more challenging. England's team is nothing but a motley crew whose primary idea of a World Cup is a good time in the Caribbean.
Counsel: Keep the beer cans out of bounds and have Michael Vaughan as non- playing captain.
Verdict: The Barmy Army will create more of a flutter than this English team. Will cause an upset or two courtesy Flintoff and Pietersen but the beaches are where you will find the English cricketers during the semi-finals. Duncan Fletcher will bow out with ignomity.
Friday, March 02, 2007
The World Cup Swat- Australia
AUSTRALIA
Strengths: The most versatile batting line-up in world cricket; an opportunistic fielding cordon and mental fortitude without parallels. With Ponting, Hussey, Symonds and Clarke, Australia can attack, slaughter and decimate. A bowling attack that can leave out the two best test match bowlers in the world speaks volumes of their depth. There is no evident weakness in this unit.
Weaknesses: The bowling attack wears a non-penetrative look in the absence of Brett Lee; Andrew Symonds is the most valuable one day cricketer in the world and question marks over him aren't bound to fill them with confidence. Lack of wicket taking slow options in the middle overs have seen Australia struggle to defend totals. Brad Hogg is short of match practice and Johnson and Bracken have petered away after impressive starts. They are no longer an intimidating force.
Opportunities: A victory against South Africa and Australia would be on its way. The format of the tournament gives Australia time to set its house in order. Australia don't particularly like losing and canalizing this anger could imply dire consequences for other teams. Ask England.
Threats: A difficult clash against South Africa in the Group Stages who have had the better of Australia in recent times. A loss there and teams are going to relish the challenge thereafter. Australia's big three rivals have had the better of them in recent times and they don't possess the aura about themselves any longer.
Counsel: Since bowling is your grey area, go in with the extra bowler which means that Shane Watson gets the nod for opening the innings ahead of Mattie Hayden. Bank on Tait and Hogg for Carribbean wickets are conducive to wrist spin and reverse swing. Chase when you win the toss and give the new cherry back to the 'Pigeon'- Glenn McGrath. Your most important match in the competition is South Africa in the Group Stages.
Verdict: Nobody is going to stop the Kangaroos from getting to the 'Last Four' but the absence of Brett Lee means that this won't be a third consecutive World Cup victory. Hussey, Ponting & McGrath will have huge tournaments whereas it is going to be no fairytale ending for Gilchrist and Hayden. Expect the next generation of cricketers to leave their stamp.
Strengths: The most versatile batting line-up in world cricket; an opportunistic fielding cordon and mental fortitude without parallels. With Ponting, Hussey, Symonds and Clarke, Australia can attack, slaughter and decimate. A bowling attack that can leave out the two best test match bowlers in the world speaks volumes of their depth. There is no evident weakness in this unit.
Weaknesses: The bowling attack wears a non-penetrative look in the absence of Brett Lee; Andrew Symonds is the most valuable one day cricketer in the world and question marks over him aren't bound to fill them with confidence. Lack of wicket taking slow options in the middle overs have seen Australia struggle to defend totals. Brad Hogg is short of match practice and Johnson and Bracken have petered away after impressive starts. They are no longer an intimidating force.
Opportunities: A victory against South Africa and Australia would be on its way. The format of the tournament gives Australia time to set its house in order. Australia don't particularly like losing and canalizing this anger could imply dire consequences for other teams. Ask England.
Threats: A difficult clash against South Africa in the Group Stages who have had the better of Australia in recent times. A loss there and teams are going to relish the challenge thereafter. Australia's big three rivals have had the better of them in recent times and they don't possess the aura about themselves any longer.
Counsel: Since bowling is your grey area, go in with the extra bowler which means that Shane Watson gets the nod for opening the innings ahead of Mattie Hayden. Bank on Tait and Hogg for Carribbean wickets are conducive to wrist spin and reverse swing. Chase when you win the toss and give the new cherry back to the 'Pigeon'- Glenn McGrath. Your most important match in the competition is South Africa in the Group Stages.
Verdict: Nobody is going to stop the Kangaroos from getting to the 'Last Four' but the absence of Brett Lee means that this won't be a third consecutive World Cup victory. Hussey, Ponting & McGrath will have huge tournaments whereas it is going to be no fairytale ending for Gilchrist and Hayden. Expect the next generation of cricketers to leave their stamp.
Building up to the World Cup
This promises to be the most intensely fought World Cup ever. The Pontings, Flemings, Dravids, Jayawardenes, Vaughans, Inzamams, Smiths and Laras of this world will their teams to do battle in this cricketing extravaganza. Will Ponting and company emulate the Windies and make it a hat-trick of World Cups or is the Australian supremacy a thing of the past?
Next up, a SWOT analysis of all the major pretenders.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)