The Cricket World Cup of 2015, number 11, begins four weeks from today. It is time to consider possible outcomes.
Firstly, the cricket world cup groupings are well balanced and there is no real advantage to where one is placed. The fact that the event is being held in two countries is not as significant a factor as it might have been. The difference in the nature of the pitches in Australia and New Zealand is not what it once was, as New Zealand pitches appear a little more lively this season, producing some pace and bounce, while Australian pitches are notably slower. This will not suit the home team, so perhaps we can expect groundsmen to come up with something more traditionally Australian before the tournament begins.
Quarter finals are scheduled, which is not always the case and barring a major upset, one can expect the top eight to be Australia, New Zealand, England, Sri Lanka, West Indies, India, Pakistan and South Africa. The tournament really begins here. Three quarter finals are scheduled for Australia, one for New Zealand, the two countries share the semi finals and the final is at the MCG.
The fact that the pitches best suited to the host nation, Australia, Woolloongabba in Brisbane and the WACA in Perth are not featured at all in the knockout stages seems a very curious decision by the host nation. It certainly shortens the odds on the teams from the sub-continent. Let us now consider the chances of the various teams.
The West Indies we can discount immediately. The small minded vindictiveness of Clive Lloyd and company in omitting Bravo and Pollard, two of the better all rounders in limited overs cricket, has sunk any chance it had. The return of Roach and Narine will greatly strengthen the bowling but that will not be sufficient to overcome the batting frailties, poor fielding and depressed morale. They are capable, perhaps, of one upset but no more than that.
Pakistan has performed quite well in recent times but it is an aging side and will be hurt by the absence of Ajmal and the fact that Hafeez will not be permitted to bowl. It is a reasonable batting and bowling side but as so often, fielding is likely to be a problem and the team seems to be short of a finger spinner.
England is a fair side on paper but it is struggling with confidence. There are several capable batsmen, a pace attack led by Anderson and Broad, a useful spinner in Tredwell and a number of all rounders but there is no match winner. More youthful energy would have been helpful and the omission of Stokes may be regretted.
The stars of the Sri Lankan team are all men well on the wrong side of thirty. Sangakkara, Jayawardene, Dilshan and Malinga have all been outstanding performers but are nearing the end of their careers and there is not sufficient depth of talent to mount a serious challenge. It is a solid batting side with useful spinners but lacks a quality pace attack.
Glenn Maxwell leave made Commentators Speechless by Aman_Asif
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8890547
Firstly, the cricket world cup groupings are well balanced and there is no real advantage to where one is placed. The fact that the event is being held in two countries is not as significant a factor as it might have been. The difference in the nature of the pitches in Australia and New Zealand is not what it once was, as New Zealand pitches appear a little more lively this season, producing some pace and bounce, while Australian pitches are notably slower. This will not suit the home team, so perhaps we can expect groundsmen to come up with something more traditionally Australian before the tournament begins.
Quarter finals are scheduled, which is not always the case and barring a major upset, one can expect the top eight to be Australia, New Zealand, England, Sri Lanka, West Indies, India, Pakistan and South Africa. The tournament really begins here. Three quarter finals are scheduled for Australia, one for New Zealand, the two countries share the semi finals and the final is at the MCG.
The fact that the pitches best suited to the host nation, Australia, Woolloongabba in Brisbane and the WACA in Perth are not featured at all in the knockout stages seems a very curious decision by the host nation. It certainly shortens the odds on the teams from the sub-continent. Let us now consider the chances of the various teams.
The West Indies we can discount immediately. The small minded vindictiveness of Clive Lloyd and company in omitting Bravo and Pollard, two of the better all rounders in limited overs cricket, has sunk any chance it had. The return of Roach and Narine will greatly strengthen the bowling but that will not be sufficient to overcome the batting frailties, poor fielding and depressed morale. They are capable, perhaps, of one upset but no more than that.
Pakistan has performed quite well in recent times but it is an aging side and will be hurt by the absence of Ajmal and the fact that Hafeez will not be permitted to bowl. It is a reasonable batting and bowling side but as so often, fielding is likely to be a problem and the team seems to be short of a finger spinner.
England is a fair side on paper but it is struggling with confidence. There are several capable batsmen, a pace attack led by Anderson and Broad, a useful spinner in Tredwell and a number of all rounders but there is no match winner. More youthful energy would have been helpful and the omission of Stokes may be regretted.
The stars of the Sri Lankan team are all men well on the wrong side of thirty. Sangakkara, Jayawardene, Dilshan and Malinga have all been outstanding performers but are nearing the end of their careers and there is not sufficient depth of talent to mount a serious challenge. It is a solid batting side with useful spinners but lacks a quality pace attack.
Glenn Maxwell leave made Commentators Speechless by Aman_Asif
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8890547
