SabSuper eights stage of World Cup
March 27th 2007 03:00
Finally the group stages of the world cup are over and more serious cricket can finally be played. The tournament will of course always be remembered for the murder of Bob Woolmer, no matter what happens but the tournament is far too long and has felt like one big warm-up.
I’ll own up and say I was wrong with India. They are just about as much as a rabble as the Pakistanis. I was too awe struck by their batting line-up on paper but the truth is they have too much internal trouble to succeed at the moment. I was disappointed for the little master Sachin Tendulkar, considering this will likely be his final world cup. Unfortunately Tendulkar is a shadow of his former great self and should retire from one-day cricket and focus on Test matches. Remember Tendulkar is not that old for modern batsmen at 34 but he has been playing at the international level since 1989. His use by date is almost up.
With two subcontinent teams out, Sri Lanka is the lone flag bearer unless Bangladesh pulls off a miracle. The Sri Lankans have confirmed there pre tournament status as the team most likely to challenge Australia and right now it seems more than likely they will be contesting the final.
The super eights stage unfortunately will be a little anti climatic with Ireland and Bangladesh in it. Those matches should be one-sided. Good on those two countries for performing well but I want to see some competitive cricket and I do not believe they can provide it at this stage of the tournament.
I still believe Australia is the team to beat, as their batting line-up is in full swing. Adam Gilchrist and Mike Hussey have hardly fired a shot yet and Andrew Symonds phenomenal comeback is sure to add to the Aussies great batting depth. The bowling is looking better than in New Zealand, with spinner Brad Hogg starring and like Andy Bichel in 2003, could become Australia’s unlikely hero.
Nothing has changed my opinion that both New Zealand and Sri Lanka will make the final four, with both teams looking exceptionally strong. However the Kiwis losing in-form opener Lou Vincent through injury will be a massive blow.
With India out, it’s time to pick the last semi-final spot, out of South Africa, England and the West Indies. Most people would automatically select South Africa, however I am still not convinced. Glenn McGrath can be arrogant but I agree with him that the Proteas are susceptible to mental pressure and are fragile in key moments. I am still not picking them in the final four.
I like what I see from England, however they always seem to disappoint when it matters most. Even though I believe they have the potential to even win the whole event, pick them at your peril.
This leaves the hosts the West Indies. They have not been mightily impressive but under the enormous pressure at home, there performances have been admirable. The clash against Australia will be pivotal to see if they are the real deal.
Being a bit biased I am going to select the West Indies to make the semis, mainly because I want to see Brian Lara retire from one-day cricket on a high and calypso cricket return to the heights of previous glory.
I’ll own up and say I was wrong with India. They are just about as much as a rabble as the Pakistanis. I was too awe struck by their batting line-up on paper but the truth is they have too much internal trouble to succeed at the moment. I was disappointed for the little master Sachin Tendulkar, considering this will likely be his final world cup. Unfortunately Tendulkar is a shadow of his former great self and should retire from one-day cricket and focus on Test matches. Remember Tendulkar is not that old for modern batsmen at 34 but he has been playing at the international level since 1989. His use by date is almost up.
With two subcontinent teams out, Sri Lanka is the lone flag bearer unless Bangladesh pulls off a miracle. The Sri Lankans have confirmed there pre tournament status as the team most likely to challenge Australia and right now it seems more than likely they will be contesting the final.
(Sri Lankan fans have plenty to cheer about)
The super eights stage unfortunately will be a little anti climatic with Ireland and Bangladesh in it. Those matches should be one-sided. Good on those two countries for performing well but I want to see some competitive cricket and I do not believe they can provide it at this stage of the tournament.
I still believe Australia is the team to beat, as their batting line-up is in full swing. Adam Gilchrist and Mike Hussey have hardly fired a shot yet and Andrew Symonds phenomenal comeback is sure to add to the Aussies great batting depth. The bowling is looking better than in New Zealand, with spinner Brad Hogg starring and like Andy Bichel in 2003, could become Australia’s unlikely hero.
Nothing has changed my opinion that both New Zealand and Sri Lanka will make the final four, with both teams looking exceptionally strong. However the Kiwis losing in-form opener Lou Vincent through injury will be a massive blow.
With India out, it’s time to pick the last semi-final spot, out of South Africa, England and the West Indies. Most people would automatically select South Africa, however I am still not convinced. Glenn McGrath can be arrogant but I agree with him that the Proteas are susceptible to mental pressure and are fragile in key moments. I am still not picking them in the final four.
I like what I see from England, however they always seem to disappoint when it matters most. Even though I believe they have the potential to even win the whole event, pick them at your peril.
This leaves the hosts the West Indies. They have not been mightily impressive but under the enormous pressure at home, there performances have been admirable. The clash against Australia will be pivotal to see if they are the real deal.
Being a bit biased I am going to select the West Indies to make the semis, mainly because I want to see Brian Lara retire from one-day cricket on a high and calypso cricket return to the heights of previous glory.
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