Separating the men from the boys for World Cup 2007 is not a difficult task. As the day gets closer for this historic occasion, the terrific build up is slowly winding down as teams begin to test the waters in trial matches that have already started. Unlike previous World Cups, no surprises are expected from the minnows as Bangladesh, Bermuda, Canada, Ireland, Kenya, Netherlands, Scotland and Zimbabwe all should depart the competition quite early.
I totally agree with those who suggest that some of these teams should not have been included in this competition.
The Big 8 will pretty soon face reality that they will have to battle it out amongst themselves and the fittest will survive. West Indies with the home advantage, New Zealand and England both having bolstering series victories in the latest outings, top ranking South Africa and Australia, well rounded Sri Lanka, impressive India and unpredictable Pakistan. Any of these teams on their given day can upset the other, but with all factors taken into consideration, including Duckworth Lewis theory, some will have to go and then is when the beef of the tournament begins.
Like a wounded tiger, one has to be on the look out for Pakistan. With their history of turmoil, the recent exclusion of Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif, a very heavy burden is placed upon their shoulders. Perhaps that could be the spur they need to really get going and doing well. The broad shoulders of captain Inzamam, the cool level headed genius of Mohammad Yousuf, reliable Younis Khan with the fast bowling sensation Umar Gul, the willy leg spin of Danish Kaneria, they could very well combine and produce some excellent cricket.
However, they are the first I’ll scratch from the list, their depth is really not deep enough to see them through. Although they have performed well as a team in the past and seemingly jelled better without the presence of Akhtar, this particular calling without him will be deeply felt.
Sri Lanka despite having an excellent all-round team will find that getting to the Quarter Finals will be too big a task. Leading bowlers Chaminda Vaas and Muttiah Muralitharan along with the all round ability of Sanath Jayasuriya will be depended upon heavily. Although their batting line up is very capable, Jayasuriya’s exploits at the top of the order will be pivotal of them getting a winning score.
This could be their hurdle as he more often than not fail to consistently get big scores.
Vaas and Muralitharan likewise have not proven their dynamic capabilities here in the Caribbean, they’ll have to do so this time around to get them through.
However, their team will be the next off the list.
This narrows the list down to 6 and my choice of the other two who will join them will be in my next edition of World Cup countdown 2007.
