Issue 154

Cricket World Cup

12th March 2007

The Cricket World Cup 2007 gets underway this week in the West Indies, where the home nation will fancy their chances of causing an upset or two.

Under the guidance of legendary captain Brian Lara, and a ravenous support behind them, the West Indies have emerged as one of the favourites for this years competition.

The holders, Australia, come into the tournament amidst a mini-crisis in their oneday game. The Aussies' preparation has been wrecked by injury and absence of a number of star players, not to mention the recent series defeats to England and New Zealand.

A d a m Gilchrist and Andrew Symonds will not be available until the Super 8 stage and Brett Lee misses the whole tournament.

Australia's plight has raised hopes in the other camps, not least that of England. After a poor Test series in Australia, they recovered to romp home in the Commonwealth bank series final, thanks in no small part to the heroics of Paul Collingwood, who will be crucial if England are to upset the odds and win their first World Cup (In spite of coming close on several occasions).

Sri Lanka are the side looking in the best shape as the opening fixtures draw closer. The revival of the inspirational Sanath Jayasuriya, who has been in brutal form over the past year, and the emergence of the immensely talented Upul Tharanga, means that they must be taken seriously.

One thing is for sure, this years tournament promises to be one of the most exciting and open of all time.

Tom Mooney