It's early February and I can't wait until the Cricket World Cup begins. I am looking forward to the late night matches because the timezone of the subcontinent (India, Sri Lanka & Bangladesh) is suitable as the host nations are only a few hours behind Australian time.
History will be created (Can Australia win a fourth consecutive cup?), legacies will be created (Can Muralitharan inspire his Sri Lankan teammates to win the tournament as a fitting swansong to a player of such high-calibre?). Here's a list of teams that I reckon can challenge for a World Cup:
1. Australia (The national selectors have made some bizarre and astonishing decisions as of late, however, the whole nation will shut up if the team flies back in the plane with a trophy. Barring injury and form - Mitchell Johnson on a bad day - and apart from ageing players (i.e. Ponting, Haddin etc. should be a strong chance to win the tournament.)
2. England (Will be a little cocky after defeating Australia for the first time in 24 years in an Ashes series away from home, however, will be brought down to Earth again on subcontinental pitches and quality spinners.)
3. India (One of the host nations. In reasonably good form after straight series wins against Bangladesh and New Zealand on home soil. Will be looking forward to playing up home ground advantages after a tough tour of South Africa. The cup is overflowing with potential new-generation of stars like Subramanium Badrinath, Robin Uthapa, Ravindra Jadeja, Pragyan Ojha, Piyush Chawla, so the future looks bright.)
4. Sri Lanka (Another host nation. With a few of the older guard retiring or close to calling it a day, a good blend of experience and relative youth. Old wise heads such as Sanath Jayasuriya, Mahela Jayawardene, Tillakaratne Dilshan mixed in the youth of talent up-and-coming stars such as Angelo Matthews - enjoyed watching him in the IPL - Upul Tharanga and Suraj Randiv looks a good team. With the departure from the scene of Chaminda Vaas and Muttiah Muralitharan, the next bunch of cricketers seem ready to seamlessly slot in with players like Malinga Bandara and the already established Lasith Malinga.)
5. South Africa (Graeme Smith has grown into the captaincy role in the last 5 years. The Proteas will be out to show that they are not the same team as the "chokers" of 1999 - the historic tied semi-final with Australia. Lots of talented youngsters, regardless of colour, such as Wayne Parnell, the Morkel brothers - Albertus (Albie) & Morne, Colin Miller, David Ingram. With Hashim Amla firmed up at number 3, they will be formidable opponents. The slow bowling department looks good as there is a mix of experience - Johan Botha and Paul Harris - and youth - Imran Tahir (leg spinner who idolises Shane Warne. Moved to South Africa from Pakistan for love and stayed on.)
Here's a list of teams outside the "expected" top teams who could give a serious competition.
Pakistan (Yes, unfortunately. When they have got their heads together and focus on the cricket field, these guys can be a treat to watch. With firepower fast bowling, reasonably good spinners and good alround options - such as Shahid Afridi - they will be competitive. However, time and time again they seem to be affected by internal politics - with players feigning "injury" because they do no want to play under a certain player who is captain. The nation's Cricket Board is also not a saint as they interfere with team selections. As I say, it's a big mess but if they can get their mind straight the ultimate gift they can give to their people is the simple joy of winning a World Cup again. If that happens, then at least this time they will let the players through the main airport!)
Bangladesh (Probably got Test status a little too early, but have proven their worth over a long period of time. They have to show that beating Australia in Lords and India in a previous World Cup (2003) game was not a fluke. Have plenty of home ground advantage and a plethora of slow-bowling options - Shakib Al-Hasan, Abdur Rehman etc. Will give the top nations a good run for their money.)
Afghanistan (Watched a video recently on the Cricinfo website about their rise. Truly inspirational stuff. I would rate them as a dark horse in the tournament, but I would be keen to watch their progress. In a nation sick and tired of civil wars and instability, their people will be proud with an honourable exit. I think there is enough talent for them to proceed to the second-round.)
