Who will compete most with Australia this World Cup?

[trescothick101]

Who will compete most with Australia this World Cup?

The World Cup in West Indies is bound to be an exciting affair. Of course, Australia are the favourites. At the top, Adam Gilchrist more often than not blazes Australia away to a terrific start. Skipper Ricky Ponting is tactically astute and is a fine batsman. The loss of Damien Martyn may not be a giant loss, as Mike Hussey (with an average of 77), the big hitting but reliable Andrew Symonds and the maturing Michael Clarke bolstering the middle order. Australia have a superb bowling attack with Glenn McGrath, Brett Lee and nathan Bracken certain starters. Mitchell Johnson and Stuart Clark are also able bowlers who have had success on the international stage. Brad Hogg is hugely underated and is sure to play a part in another World Cup, and Australia also have a rich list of allrounders (Watson and Hopes) and openers (Katich, Hayden, Cosgrove and Watson) in stock. Cameron White, Dan Cullen, Nathan Hauritz and even Dan Marsh are fighting for the second spinner spot and Brad Haddin is a superb keeper-batsman to support Gilly. Can they be beaten?

 

[trescothick101]

Re: Who will compete most with Australia this World Cup?

Personally, I think South Africa will give Australia a run for their money. One of their many superstars is Shaun Pollock. He seems to get better with age, whether restricitng runs with tight bowling or smashing boundaries towards the end of an innings. If Jacques Kallis scores, South Africa will definitely be a force. Kallis dosn't score tht quickly. ut he is often the team anchor, and if he faikls, the rest seem to fold. Herschelle Gibbs and captain Graeme Smith are also team talismans. Gibbs is electrifying in the field and with the bat, while Smith's calm captaincy and hitting at the top of the order are important. Makhaya Ntini, SA's best fast bowler will have a ball on the bouncy Carribean pitches. AB de Villiers and Justin Kemp are also capable matchwinners, while Mark Boucher could do SA a lot of help if he continues his recent big hitting (like in Zimbabwe late 2005), and is a great keeper. South Africa are a real hcance to take home the gold.

 

[SouthSwans]

Re: Who will compete most with Australia this World Cup?

Sri Lanka, statistically the most capable, and on paper look the most threatening with the bat.

 

[Ljp86]

Re: Who will compete most with Australia this World Cup?

Sri Lanka for mine. But they really are the unknown.

Coming into the Champions Trophy, they had a string of victories albeit against inferior opposition but they were playing very good one-day cricket.

As soon as they got the main part of the tournament, they struggled, and suddenly, their batting and bowling had fallen way off the pace and they didn't look anything like the team they were when they were racking up victory after victory.

A big question mark hangs over the side, they need Jayasuriya to be on his game like the recent ODI against New Zealand. Jayasuriya is almost unstoppable when he is on his game and is extremely aggressive, making him very dangerous. Sri Lanka will also need Vaas and Muralitharan to be playing well too if the Lankans are to go far in the World Cup as well as their youngsters. Chamara Silva looks a very good player.

South Africa will also be up there too. Their recent ODI series against India was very good and they should do well.

 

[trescothick101]

Re: Who will compete most with Australia this World Cup?

Sri lanka, also one of the favs for the Cup, have a good all round list. Superstar Sanath Jayasuriya is vital at the top of the order. His quick and usually big scores are the difference between a win or a loss most of the time. Upul Tharanga has also been in a rich vein of form recently at the top of the order, and with skipper Mahela Jayawardene, keeper batsman Kumar Sangakara and Marvan Atapattu next, it looks like a strong order. Chamara Silva, Chamara Kapugedera and Tillekaratne Dilshan are reliable batsmen, while Chaminda vaas and Farveez maharoof (if he plays) are no slouches with the bat. Sri Lanka ability with the bat has been displayed on many occassions, most recently against England at Headingley chasing a big total, a total mauling of Netherlands, and a great run chase on Boxing Day aganst the New zealanders. With Vaas, Dilhara Fernando and Lasith "Slinga" Malinga extremely capable fast bowlers, Muttiah Muralitharan comes in next and devastates the opposition. With Jayasuriya, Dilshan and Malinga Bandara (who may play on a spinners wicket) supporting it looks like Sri Lanka are in with a very big chance of a World Cup victory.

 

[trescothick101]

Re: Who will compete most with Australia this World Cup?

one of the most unpredictable, but most dangerous sides is Pakistan. Though their top order is not settled, with Mohammad Hafeez, Imran Farhat and keeper kamran akmal all having a go, Pakistan's batting lineup is extremely strong. Akmal and Hafeez shined in the latest one dayer against the West Indies, and with the magnificent trio of Younis Khan, Mohammad Yousuf (the leading test runscorer in a calendar year ever) and skipper Inzamam ul Haq, Pakistan can defeat any side. Don't forget the big hitting allrounders Shoaib Malik and Abdul razzaq (who can bat anywhere from 3 to 8) and you've got a fairly decent and balanced team. It gets better, with Shoaib akhtar and Mohammad Asif (if able to play after their not so recent drug scandal) sending down their thunderbolts, and the economical Naved ul Hasan also bowling. Mohammad Sami, iftikhar Anjum and Umar gul can slot in to the fast bowling spots aswell, and with Faisal Iqbal, Yasir Hameed and Farhat reserve batsman, there is no shortage in depth. Abdur Rehman, the in form spinner, just pips the accomplished Danish KLaneria, while their might be room in the squad for the giant hitting, match winning but form fluctuating Shahid Afridi. All in all, an awesome (sometimes) team, and not one Australia will want to face.

 

[trescothick101]

Re: Who will compete most with Australia this World Cup?

Coming off an appaling run of one day results and a one sided Ashes contest against the Aussies, the green and gold will most likely be quite calm when facing England. After an injury hit 2006, England haven't quite got the depth nor team balance and unity to win this World Cup. However, never say never, they've got a fairly strong test side, so why not in the shorter form? If Marcus Trescothick doesn't play, it will no doubt be a big loss. Andrew Strauss is a leader with the bat, and if Michael Vaughan manages to convert his 50s that he has so often not turned into 100s, England might just have a chance. The big wildcards are the bug hitting Kevin Pietersen and Andrew Flintoff. Flintoff adds even more danger because of his super bowling. Pietersen's unusual style has been largely successful in the past 2 years. Coming off solid test series, Paul Collingwood and Ian Bell are in reasonably good form, and will try to carry that into the World Cup. Chris read is a very capable keeper, while Jamie Dalrymple adds even more batting talents to the list, to go with his offies. The other spinning option, Mudhsuden "Monty" Panesar can be extremely dangerous, and the pace quartet of Sajid Mahmood, Jon Lewis, Jimmy Anderson and Chris Tremlett look quite talented if not inexperienced. All England need is a bit of luck and confidence and things could go their way.

 

[trescothick101]

Re: Who will compete most with Australia this World Cup?

Who can leave out the West Indies, Two time World Cup winner, and runners up in the past 2 ICC Champions Trophies, the cricketers from the Carribean usually surprise. Led by their captain Brian Lara, in what could possibly his last one day series wielding the willow, the Windies will be looking to win it not only for their leaving skipper, but also for their home crowd. Accustomed to their own home turf, the Windies have an advantage over all sides in the tournament. If Chris Gayle is in form, which he was during the Champions Trophy, smashing all bowlers to all parts of the ground, the Windies have a big chance. Shiv chanderpaul, with his unorthodox batting stance, is one of the anchors of the team, but they need the recently out of form Ramnaresh Sarwan to fire. Marlon Samuels has improved hugely with the bat, while Dwayne Bravo will need to play impressively, as per usual. Denesh Ramdin is a capable batsman and a tidy gloveman, while Runako Morton and Dwayne Smith will be likely to be the Windies' big hitters in the later stages of the game. Jerome Taylor, Corey Collymore and Ian Bradshaw are probably West Indies' best pace trio. Dave Mohammed is their current spinner, while Lendl Simmonds has impressed greatly in the 4 matches he has played. West Indies cannot be ruled out, because a team with so much style, flair,aggression, pace and flamboyance (typical West Indies traits), surely has a big chance of winning the gold.

 

[trescothick101]

Re: Who will compete most with Australia this World Cup?

New Zealand could very well be the World Cup winning team. All rests on Shane Bond, their super quick fast bowler, who seemingly has an on and off injury switch that seems to go off for New Zealand at exactly the wrong time. What is on though, is his wicket taking and match winning ability. The captain Steohen Fleming, a great batsman himself, will be eagerly looking forward to another blockbuster Bond performance. Nathan Astle is a very dangerous batsman, and Brendon McCullum has recently batted very well opening. Ross Taylor scored an incredible, unbeaten, debut hundred this week, and is a outstanding prospect for the NZ batting order. The Marhsall brothers will ahve to get back in form to keep a place in the side, and Jacob Oram need to shine with both bat and ball. Daniel Vettori and jeetan Patel are the spinners, and support for Bond from the NZ fast bowlers will be vital to NZ's victory prospects.

 

[trescothick101]

Re: Who will compete most with Australia this World Cup?

And last but not least, the exciting Indians. Another unpredictable subcontinent team, they seem to amass giant toal or crumble for mini ones. They have 6 capable match inners with the bat: the aggressive Virender Sehwag, masterclass Sachin "The Little master" Tendulkar, skipper Rahul "The Wall" Dravid, VVS Laxman, Yuvraj Singh and MS Dhoni. Irfan pathan, if he gets his confidence back, is an important player, while Zaheer Khan and Sreesanth's newfound brillliance is very important. A strong side will lineup this World cup, but with strong expectations.

 

[Iggy]

Re: Who will compete most with Australia this World Cup?

SA are deffinitely the team to fear i think. if kallis remains healthy, he will easily be tops among the batsmen. also, i am sure the homefield advantage will boost the West Indies.

 

[Bennycoff]

Re: Who will compete most with Australia this World Cup?

SA or Sri Lanka but Australia will win because we have the best team and are consistent.

 

[gillyrulz]

Re: Who will compete most with Australia this World Cup?

The World Cup in West Indies is bound to be an exciting affair. Of course, Australia are the favourites. At the top, Adam Gilchrist more often than not blazes Australia away to a terrific start. Skipper Ricky Ponting is tactically astute and is a fine batsman. The loss of Damien Martyn may not be a giant loss, as Mike Hussey (with an average of 77), the big hitting but reliable Andrew Symonds and the maturing Michael Clarke bolstering the middle order. Australia have a superb bowling attack with Glenn McGrath, Brett Lee and nathan Bracken certain starters. Mitchell Johnson and Stuart Clark are also able bowlers who have had success on the international stage. Brad Hogg is hugely underated and is sure to play a part in another World Cup, and Australia also have a rich list of allrounders (Watson and Hopes) and openers (Katich, Hayden, Cosgrove and Watson) in stock. Cameron White, Dan Cullen, Nathan Hauritz and even Dan Marsh are fighting for the second spinner spot and Brad Haddin is a superb keeper-batsman to support Gilly. Can they be beaten?

are you on drugs

 

[hira khan]

Re: Who will compete most with Australia this World Cup?

come off it dear...shoaib n asif r not playing n withut them our team is nothing,,,nothing at all

one of the most unpredictable, but most dangerous sides is Pakistan. Though their top order is not settled, with Mohammad Hafeez, Imran Farhat and keeper kamran akmal all having a go, Pakistan's batting lineup is extremely strong. Akmal and Hafeez shined in the latest one dayer against the West Indies, and with the magnificent trio of Younis Khan, Mohammad Yousuf (the leading test runscorer in a calendar year ever) and skipper Inzamam ul Haq, Pakistan can defeat any side. Don't forget the big hitting allrounders Shoaib Malik and Abdul razzaq (who can bat anywhere from 3 to 8) and you've got a fairly decent and balanced team. It gets better, with Shoaib akhtar and Mohammad Asif (if able to play after their not so recent drug scandal) sending down their thunderbolts, and the economical Naved ul Hasan also bowling. Mohammad Sami, iftikhar Anjum and Umar gul can slot in to the fast bowling spots aswell, and with Faisal Iqbal, Yasir Hameed and Farhat reserve batsman, there is no shortage in depth. Abdur Rehman, the in form spinner, just pips the accomplished Danish KLaneria, while their might be room in the squad for the giant hitting, match winning but form fluctuating Shahid Afridi. All in all, an awesome (sometimes) team, and not one Australia will want to face.

 

[timmyj51]

Re: Who will compete most with Australia this World Cup?

My money'd be on the Yank pro baseballers if the ICC had the guts
to let them in the tourney. You can have the rest of the lot.

 

[Sunstroke]

Re: Who will compete most with Australia this World Cup?

My money'd be on the Yank pro baseballers if the ICC had the guts
to let them in the tourney. You can have the rest of the lot.

Then you'd lose all your savings.

Cricket and Baseball are different disciplines.

 

[Sunstroke]

Re: Who will compete most with Australia this World Cup?

Re the question posed in this thread, alot of powerful players are out of the tourny now...Anything can happen and OZ is weak.

So I'll go out on a limb and say ....WI

 

[Chandu]

Re: Who will compete most with Australia this World Cup?

And my money would have been on the New Zealand All Blacks if they would've showed up in Germany to play in FIFA World Cup 2006.

And I think the Brasilian Futebol team should show up for the Rugby Union World Cup in France later this year. They'll win it all, just by being Brasil.

And the Argentina national basketball team should represent Argentina in volleyball. They will be clearly superior over all other volleyball teams.

And I think the Dutch and German national field hockey teams should represent Netherlands and Germany respectively in ice hockey world championship.

And I feel the Swedish ice hockey national team should represent Sweden in the field hockey World Cup.

And, and, I feel the Kenyan and Ethiopian long distance runners should represent their respective countries in Olympics for 100m / 200m sprinting.

And the Jamaican and American sprinting team should represent their respective countries in Olympics for marathon and long distance running.

And, and I feel the American and Australian swim teams should take up skiing and show up during the Winter Olympics.

And India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka should send their cricket teams to take part in the next World Baseball Classic.

And the Japanese sumo team should represent Japan in the Olympic boxing.

There. All these things should happen, and I will be sooooooooooooooooooooo happy when they happen!!! The world will be all set straight, and will be a wonderful place to live in. It will be a utopia, and how I shall be thankful to be alive on this planet!!!!!! @|