G is for...Gayle

G is for Gayle. Both kinds…

First the man, Chris Gayle....

He is the most talked-about player in the run-up to the Champions Trophy, primarily due to his blistering form in the IPL. He has faced some international bowlers in the tournament, but will he be able to replicate his form at the very highest level?

F is for...Fans

The lifeblood of this game.

The people who players do their utmost to please.

E is for...England

England.

For the host of the final edition of the Champions Trophy, it is fitting that we return to the home of cricket.

For Pakistan, they can bank on past success in global tournaments in England. (Reached the final of the 1999 World Cup, semi-finals of 2004 Champions Trophy, winners of 2010 World Twenty20).

D is for...Death bowling

The last 15 overs where batsmen will try to get the maximum and bowlers will do their utmost to stop the rot 

In recent times, this skill which was a given for Pak bowlers has become rare. Umar Gul used to be a great proponent of fantastic death bowling - yorkers bowled at will, batsmen seen looking clueless against such accuracy

C is for...Champions

The full list of winners of the ICC Champions Trophy is:

B is for...the Bravos

The tale of two Bravos for the West Indies – brothers Dwayne and Darren. One a right-handed all-rounder, the other billed as a Lara-light left-hander.

The more senior of the two, Dwayne John Bravo has been named skipper for the 2013 Champions Trophy, replacing Darren Sammy. A medium-pacer capable of explosive lower-order hitting, Bravo has been vice-captain for a number of years.

A is for.....Absence

Whilst tournament ticket sales have been impressive, the growing number of absent players must be disappointing for fans and no doubt organisers.

In the last few years with the new rules in ODI cricket, Reverse swing seems to be becoming less prevalent in all forms of cricket. I can't remember the last time i saw a truly great spell of reverse swing bowling from a fast bowler. Sure there have been plenty of great fast bowlers who can bowl with the new ball but the sight of the sharp reverse swinging yorker is truly awe-inspiring and dearly missed.

Discuss!

After the way Australia dominated world cricket for most of the 2000s, you would be extremely naive if you did not consider the men from down under as serious contenders for the Champions Trophy. The Aussie team might be going through a “transitional phase”; however they are ranked within the top 3 ODI teams in the world for a reason. There is no easy route to win this competition, however, there are only five matches standing between Australia and their third consecutive ICC Champions Trophy cup!

Recap the thrilling tie between Pakistan and Sri Lanka 1999 Coca Cola Cup!

Discuss!