Boundary View
20th February 2007, 17:23
New Zealands stunning 3-0 win has shown that this will be the most open World Cup ever! The Aussies are in turmoil and have plenty to think about. I think the following teams are ALL capable of taking the trophy :
1) Aussies - they are still the best. Anyone who rules them out is crazy.
2) Saffers - deserve they No 1 spot for their consistency. They will not find the Windies conditions ideal though.
3) There are then a bunch of teams level pegging. In no particular order :
- Kiwis - on form and a solid unit. Have the Bond factor.
- Pakistan - unpredictable but deadly dangerous if they fire and players are fit.
- India - in form and very dangerous.
- Sri Lanka - you cannot rule out a team wity Murali and Vaas and several exciting batsmen like Sanga, Jayasuria, Jayawardene and Dilshan.
- England - will be very competetive. Have hit form at the right time.
- Windies - home advantage could be crucial and Lara will want to leave cricket on a high.
It would not be a surprise if any of these 8 teams were to win the World Cup. What will be crucial before the tourny starts is the availability of players for various reasons. Luck will play a factor as in any cup tournament. This is a tough one to call. I will stick with the Aussies.
1) Aussies - they are still the best. Anyone who rules them out is crazy.
2) Saffers - deserve they No 1 spot for their consistency. They will not find the Windies conditions ideal though.
3) There are then a bunch of teams level pegging. In no particular order :
- Kiwis - on form and a solid unit. Have the Bond factor.
- Pakistan - unpredictable but deadly dangerous if they fire and players are fit.
- India - in form and very dangerous.
- Sri Lanka - you cannot rule out a team wity Murali and Vaas and several exciting batsmen like Sanga, Jayasuria, Jayawardene and Dilshan.
- England - will be very competetive. Have hit form at the right time.
- Windies - home advantage could be crucial and Lara will want to leave cricket on a high.
It would not be a surprise if any of these 8 teams were to win the World Cup. What will be crucial before the tourny starts is the availability of players for various reasons. Luck will play a factor as in any cup tournament. This is a tough one to call. I will stick with the Aussies.