The Vettel enigma: Why we could have another Schumacher

Two races into the 2011 Formula One Season it is reigning world champion Sebastian Vettel who sits emphatically atop the Driver's Championship with a perfect 50 points. The signs for the rest of the year are ominous as Vettel, despite some impressive and surprising race pace from McLaren, won both the Australian and Malaysian Grands Prix with relative ease. A variety of frustrations have beset his interminably unfortunate team-mate Mark Webber, who sits in a tie for 3rd with just 22 points. With the closeness at time in race pace, and Webber's struggles, one could be forgiven for thinking we have yet another exciting competitive year on our hands. There's every indication that may not be the case however. At regular vital intervals Red Bull have shown that they have easily the year's premier car, as can only be expected from master designer Adrian Newey who Martin Brundle aptly called "the Leonardo Da Vinci of Formula One."

Rumour has it that at this weekend's Chinese Grand Prix, every team in the paddock except the three new boys, and Red Bull, will run with their Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems technology. This technology acts as a glorified push to pass system essentially, with a complex system of energy recovery under braking being able to transfer back into the power train for 80bhp extra power per lap, for seven seconds. The FIA introduced the scheme for the primary purpose of overtaking of course, but it is said to be worth on some circuits more than half a second per lap. Red Bull have had problems with faulty KERS since the introduction of their car and have swept to both pole positions and both victories almost entirely without the system's bonus power. The disadvantage is twofold though, as the KERS motor's 35kg weight means 35kg less ballast to move around the car, significantly limiting the potential for optimum weight distribution. If Red Bull do decide to remove the system from their car entirely in China, they will shed the one element that seems to have most affected the stability of the car. The big question at this race, especially if without KERS, is whether the RB7 will be better balanced and able to extend its already sizable gap to the rest of the field. If this happens I fear we may not see Vettel threatened on his way to an emphatic title defense.

The possibly mistaken view that 2011 is going to be thrillingly close comes from the simple fact that 2010 was also deceiving in its tightness. 2010 was really an astonishing season, with five men leading the world championship and the unprecedented scenario of four drivers still in the running at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Vettel won the title despite having not led the points standings once during the entire season before the final race. Throughout the whole season Vettel utterly dominated qualifying and always loomed as a man likely to threaten for the title, even when he was as low as fifth in the standings.

In truth Sebastian could call himself unlucky that he wasn't already a World Champion. For all of his astonishingly short career he had impressed, from scoring a point on debut at the age of 19, to shining spectacularly as a late season replacement for Toro Rosso in 2007. In 2008, after a tough start adjusting to a difficult car, Vettel was supreme, scoring a remarkable pole to flag win for the small team in driving rain at Monza. Then he came to Red Bull in 2009 and largely dominated his new team-mate Mark Webber in the process. Webber was already entrenched at the team and is not just experienced but fantastically fast. Before Vettel no-one had come close to challenging Webber's domination over all his team-mates for qualifying pace. Vettel won third time out in China and went on to win three more races on his way to second in the championship, not too far behind Jenson Button. Although few would begrudge Button his title, the truth remains that all six of his wins came in the first seven races thanks in large part to the headstart his Brawn GP team had by virtue of a loophole in the regulations. By that time Newey's RB5 had established itself as the class of the field and Button did not win again all year.

Vettel came in 2010 frustrated from being so near yet so far in 2009. His nerves and inexperience often came to the forefront, in a series of often controversial errors. In reality, Vettel's own faltering resolve, and the fallible reliability of the RB6, conspired to almost lose a championship that should gone their way in a canter.

Vettel won the 2010 World Championship with 256 points on the back of five wins. Alonso was just four points behind (seven points seperate 1st and 2nd in every race to give an idea how close that is), on 252 with Webber on 242 and McLaren's Lewis Hamilton on 240. Vettel could very easily have run away with the title by over 100 points however, but was denied liberally by car failures and brain failures. The most inopportune mechanical gremlins afflicted Vettel while leading three grands prix, two of them surely guaranteed victories. Vettel's own youthful exuberance ruined his weekend at least another four times. Here's a short summary of only those major setbacks which spring to the forefront of the mind:

Bahrain - Vettel dominated all weekend and was easily on his way to a pole-to-flag victory before a spark plug failure on the engine hamstrung the car. The Ferraris of Alonso and Massa drove past as if Vettel was standing still and finished 1-2. Even with the initially fatal-looking problem, Vettel still somehow salvaged 4th.

Australia - Once again Vettel took a dominant pole position and pulled immediately away at the front before a break failure plunged him into the gravel and out of the race. With the wet conditions Vettel was far from guaranteed victory but surely lost major points again.

Spain - Another break failure denied Vettel 2nd place and once again it was the class of the man which still salvaged 3rd (with help from Lewis Hamilton who crashed out of 2nd) when it looked as if he was set for retirement.

Turkey - The famous collision, as Vettel threw away a guaranteed 18 points and possible 25 with an ill-advised move on team-mate Mark Webber to take the lead. The move handed victory to McLaren but while Webber recovered to 3rd, it was DNF for Vettel.

 Great Britain - After racing to his now customary pole position, Vettel got a poor start and then an over-aggressive squeeze on team-mate Webber to try and hold the lead left Vettel off the track and with a puncture that sent him to dead last. He recovered to finish 7th but with Red Bull's dominant pace it should have been at least 2nd.

Germany - Yet again Vettel fluffed the start from pole, losing out to both Ferrari's, and that's where he stayed all day.

Hungary - Another pole, another solid lead. Then an obscure safety-car rule cost Vettel of all things, as he failed to stay within 10 car lengths of the safety-car in front and was given a drive-through penalty that dropped him to 3rd.

Belgium - Like Australia, the race at Spa was wet and wild with no guarantees, but Vettel made extra sure he wouldn't score points with an amateurish crash into Jenson Button that broke his front wing and earned him a drive-through penalty. This was compounded by a puncture later in the race and Vettel finished 15th.

Korea - For the 3rd time, and most heartbreaking, Vettel's RB6 gave up the ghost while he led convincingly. This time there was just 10 laps to go and Vettel was well clear of Fernando Alonso when his engine gave way spectacularly, seemingly ending his championship chances.


Obviously mistakes can happen, even more assuredly will reliability strike at inopportune moments. But there is much to read from Vettel and Red Bull's near-self destruction in 2010. What must be remembered is that Vettel is just 23 years of age, comfortably the sport's youngest ever World Champion. Furthermore, his Red Bull team are also babies in the grand scheme of things, having entered F1 in 2005 and only become competitive in 2009 as Adrian Newey's influence took over. Neither team or driver could be expected to possess the kind of battle-hardened consistent acumen to get the job done as the old hands at Ferrari and McLaren might have.

The fact is that Vettel and Red Bull were unlucky not to be champions in 2009, and 2010 should have been a walk in the park. The reason it was not was because neither party had ever reached these heights before. Now the job is done, the ambition is achieved, and the pressure which seemed to utterly overwhelm anyone near Vettel, has been lifted. Since it debuted in testing this year, Newey's RB7 has looked as fast as can ever be expected, but also possessing of nearly flawless reliability. More importantly, Sebastian looks to have followed the same path. There is an aura of calm contentment around Vettel these days which belies his age, and clearly not by coincidence, he has looked ominously metronomic on track.

Sebastian Vettel is clearly one of a handful of truly special drivers in the world today, surely matched only by Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton. At his best it is arguable he is unmatched even by those peers. Adrian Newey IS unmatched at what he does, that bears no cause for argument. Vettel has shown signs in the two races so far in 2011, that he can match the uncanny speed he was born with, to the kind of inch-perfect precision that made the only other German World Champion Michael Schumacher so unbeatable at times. If Adrian Newey can give him the car to match for years to come, who's to say there won't be another German dynasty?

Fairytale and tragedy guaranteed for opposing legends

After a tournament of unprecedented fabulousness, the 2011 Cricket World Cup concludes tonight in Mumbai between the dramatic but fallible India, and top-heavy but spectacular Sri Lanka. Although both nations will richly deserve their success if they are victorious tonight, millions of Cricket fans the world over will feel a tinge of sadness thanks to a fairytale final showdown for two of the game's all time greats. There is an almost cruel dramatic perfection to the script that this World Cup has come down to Sachin Tendulkar and Muttiah Muralitharan's teams.

Tonight's match will be Muralitharan's final international for Sri Lanka. The situation is not so black and white for Tendulkar and certainly he looks destined to dominate Test Cricket for more years yet, but surely it is too much to expect him down under in 2015 for a dizzying seventh World Cup campaign at age 41. Their showdown is so perfect and cruel not merely because both men are the greatest Cricketers their countries have ever produced (which both are almost without question), but because both have forever altered the very fabric of not just their Cricket teams, but their nations themselves.

India has always been a cricketing stronghold, but largely because of the nation's origins as a British colony. India were perpetual seller-dwellers in the grand scheme of Test Cricket, and uniformly uninterested in ODI cricket until the spectacular World Cup triumph of 1983. That began the modern age of Indian cricket, where India stands still for important cricketing occasions, and controls 80% of the sport's financial assets. Sachin Tendulkar was the hero Indian cricket needed and largely thanks to his genius, India are at the top of the game on and off the field, and look set to stay entrenched there for decades to come. Further evidence of Sachin's influence is easy to come by when one looks at the media and public attention which follow the little master 24/7, to levels far beyond even Western Paparazzo standards. One man on Cricinfo exclaimed emotionally that he will never watch Cricket again after Tendulkar retires.

As for Sri Lanka, they are still in grand terms a baby of a nation, and were a Cricketing minnow until granted Test status in the 1990s. Murali has played for all but three years of Sri Lanka's existence as a Test playing nation and surely no-one would dispute that he is Sri Lanka's greatest cricketer, even accounting for the likes of Ranatunga, De Silva, Jayasuriya, Jayawardene and Sangakkara. Like India, Cricket is the be-all and end-all for so many Sri Lankans, but as a small island without the wider influences and interests of India, the journalistic hyperbole that 'every single person' literally stops for Cricket, may actually be closer to the truth. The fact of that matter is that Murali is often referred to as the greatest Sri Lankan of all time period. His captain Kumar Sangakkara said exactly that after their semi-final win over New Zealand. Not even Bradman can quite scale those heights in Australia.

The tragedy of the situation of course is that one of these men must end their World Cup careers with a loss. Although my support stands with Sri Lanka (by virtue of having picked them as my favourites to win the World Cup months ago), the lesser tragedy would be an Indian win. Murali at least has won a World Cup in 1996, and were Sri Lanka to win, the greatest player of our generation, perhaps of many generations, would end his career without a World Cup. That would be a travesty. But then perhaps it would be a blessing in disguise, and motivate the great man to come out here in four years time? What a privilege to witness that would be.

As for the Cricket, it is an intriguing contest with neither team having set the world sufficiently alight to feel unbeatable. Beyond Zaheer Khan and the unlikely hero Yuvraj Singh, India's bowling has lacked any consistent penetration, but they have shown to be the team for pressure situations in the last two matches and have shored up the middle order jitters from early in the tournament. Sri Lanka in turn choked and spluttered their way over the line against New Zealand, and their middle order remains every bit as utterly unconvincing as it did two months ago. But I stand by Sri Lanka as my pick. The top four of Tharanga, Dilshan, Sangakkara and Jayawardene have been mighty in the tournament even beyond India's top order, and their bowlers are clearly superior in variety and wicket-taking nous. The key for Sri Lanka is to avoid exposing their middle order too early if batting first, or even worse, exposing them to a tight chase. If the game gets tight and tense, then expect India to find a way home.

Prediction Of The Day - Formula 1

Australian Grand Prix - Starting Grid Prediction

         1. S.Vettel                                                                          

Red Bull                                           2. M.Webber

                                                         Red Bull 

3. F.Alonso                                                                

    Ferrari                                           4. L.Hamilton

                                                           McLaren

 5. M.Schumacher                                                      

              Mercedes                                       6. N.Rosberg            

                                                         Mercedes

 7. J.Button                                                                  

          McLaren                                        8. V.Petrov           

                                                     Renault

         9. F.Massa                                                                          

       Ferrari                                          10. K.Kobayashi

                                                         Sauber

11. R.Barrichello                                                        

    Williams                                     12. N.Heidfeld

                                                        Renault

    13. S.Buemi                                                                     

    Toro Rosso                                  14. A.Sutil       

                                                       Force India

                15. J.Alguersuari                                                                        

Toro Rosso                                 16. S.Perez

                                                       Sauber

17. P.Maldonado                                                         

          Williams                                       18. P.Di Resta      

                                                             Force India 

        
         19. H.Kovalainen                                                                  

Lotus                                          20. J.Trulli

                                                       Lotus

21. T.Glock                                                                   

         Virgin                                           22. J.D'Ambrosio

                                                       Virgin

The HRT's of Karthikeyan and Liuzzi will fail to qualify.

WORLD CUP: Group B Squads - The Netherlands

The Netherlands World Cup Squad

Batsmen

Alexei Kervezee - 21 - Right Hand Opening Batsman

Eric Szwarczynski - 27 - Right Hand Opening Batsman

Wesley Barresi - 26 - Right Hand Opening/Top Order Batsman - Wicket Keeper

Tom Cooper - 24 - Right Hand Top Order Batsman

Bas Zuiderent (Vice-Captain) - 33 - Right Hand Middle Order Batsman

Tom de Grooth - 31 - Right Hand Middle Order Batsman

Atse Buurman - 28 - Wicket Keeper - Right Hand Middle Order Batsman

All-Rounders

Ryan ten Doeschate - 30 - Right Hand Top Order Batsman - Right Arm Medium Fast Bowler

Peter Borren (Captain) - 28 - Right Hand Middle Order Batsman - Right Arm Medium Bowler

Spin Bowlers

 Pieter Seelaar - 23- Left Arm Orthodox Spin Bowler

Adeel Raja - 30 - Right Arm Off Spin Bowler

Fast Bowlers

Bernard Loots - 31 - Right Arm Medium Bowler

Mudassar Bukhari - 27 - Right Arm Medium Fast Bowler

Bradley Kruger - 22 - Right Arm Fast Medium Bowler

Berend Westdijk - 25 - Right Arm Medium Bowler

The Netherlands are a frustrating enigma in their international performances. They have been one of the higher ranked associates for 20 years now, and are always improving, but have not been able to pull away substantially from the likes of Canada, Scotland and Ireland. This will be the nation's 4th World Cup, and 3rd consecutively, but there has not yet been any substantial upset. The only two Dutch World Cup wins were over fellow minnows Namibia in 2003 and Scotland in 2007. But there are signs of recent progress, not least thanks to the 2009 Twenty20 World Cup where the Dutch claimed their first Test scalp, with a win over England. They'll face England in their opening game and their performance will be indicative of whether this will be a fruitful World Cup, or a procession of easy defeats.

The Netherlands are probably the 12th strongest of 14 teams in the World Cup, yet are unlikely to win a game. The quality divide between the two groups means that the struggling Kenya and Canada have been drawn together, while the Dutch have been drawn with Associate front runners Ireland. To have any chance of a win during the tournament, the Dutch will need their star all-rounder Ryan ten Doeschate to fire. He is the marquee man in a strong and by now quite experienced looking batting line-up. The experience of Bas Zuiderent who has been at every World Cup, and the anchoring reliability of Eric Szwarczynski will provide stability, around which the young fast scoring talents Kervezee, Cooper and Barresi can play their natural game. 

As is increasingly common with the Associate teams however, there are questions over the Netherlands' bowling attack. It is the Dutch batting which has won most of their games in recent times, and none of the bowlers have yet established themselves as showing real class. However as opposed to mostly medium pacers, there are genuine quicks, something which Associate nations often lack.

Prediction

The difficulty of Group B is likely to define The Netherlands' World Cup. India and South Africa could put them to the sword, but every other game could at least be competitive in the best case scenario. Ireland though is the only team they should realistically beat, and Ireland will need to have a bad day.

Hosford's XI

Kervezee, Szwarczynski, Barresi, ten Doeschate, Zuiderent, de Grooth, Borren (C), Bukhari, Kruger, Seelaar, Adeel Raja

WORLD CUP: Group B Squads - Ireland

Ireland World Cup Squad

Batsmen

William Porterfield (Captain) - 26 - Left Hand Opening Batsman

Paul Stirling - 20 - Right Hand Opening Batsman

Ed Joyce - 32 - Left Hand Opening/Top Order Batsman

Niall O'Brien - 29 - Wicket Keeper - Left Hand Middle Order Batsman

Gary Wilson - 24 - Wicket Keeper - Right Hand Middle Order Batsman

All-Rounders

Kevin O'Brien - 26 - Right Hand Middle Order Batsman - Right Arm Medium Fast Bowler

Andre Botha - 35 - Left Hand Middle Order Batsman - Right Arm Medium Bowler

Andrew White - 30 - Right Hand Middle Order Batsman - Right Arm Off Spin Bowler

Alex Cusack - 30 - Right Arm Medium Fast Bowler - Right Hand Middle Order Batsman

John Mooney - 28 - Right Arm Medium Bowler - Right Hand Middle/Lower Order Batsman

Nigel Jones - 28 - Right Arm Medium Bowler - Right Hand Middle/Lower Order Batsman

Spin Bowlers

Albert Van der Merwe - 31 - Right Arm Off Spin Bowler

George Dockrell - 18 - Left Arm Orthodox Spin Bowler

Fast Bowlers

Trent Johnston - 36 - Right Arm Fast Medium Bowler

Boyd Rankin - 26 - Left Arm Medium Fast Bowler

For all of Bangladesh's recent achievements and improvements, it is Ireland who have truly had the steepest and most rapid ascent on the Cricket landscape. A decade ago they were nowhere compared to other Associate powerhouses like Kenya, Canada and The Netherlands. But their ignominious frustration was even greater. The openness of the World Cup even allowed far lesser teams like the U.A.E and Namibia to qualify before Ireland. Then came the success of the 2007 World Cup, as Ireland reached the Super Eights on the back of a spectacular upset win over Pakistan.

In the four year interim, Ireland have continued to climb the ODI ladder, becoming the undisputed top dog of the Associate nations and even jumping Zimbabwe for No.10 in the ICC rankings. The real challenge for Ireland at this World Cup is the toughness of their draw, and the unfamiliarity of the conditions. But based on the squad chosen Ireland's selectors know what they're doing. For starters more than half the squad is retained from 2007, which is particularly unusual for the associate nations. More importantly, the squad is perhaps more than any other, completely all-rounder filled. Ireland seem to have a similar setup to New Zealand, where the crux of their team lies around workhorse all-rounders rather than natural loads of talent. But on the subcontinent the formula could be perfect. Ireland are likely to play a team which bats down to No.9 and contains 7 or 8 legitimately decent bowlers.

The Irish must be careful not to fall into a trap with their novel ideas however. Recent form and the way the warm-up games played out suggests that Ireland will line up  all-rounders down to No.9, with only the young spinner Dockrell at 10 and the lanky quick Rankin at 11 as strike bowlers. Trent Johnston potentially fits as a 3rd strike bowler but has lost most of his pace and penetration now at the age of 36 Dockrell is a key weapon, being Ireland's lead spinner, but he is 18 and should not have too much pressure on his shoulders. Playing just Dockrell and the spin of all-rounder White which is scarcely above part-time quality could potentially be an underestimation of how vital spin will be in this World Cup. Yes slow medium pace will be useful too but not as much as variety will be, and Botha, Cusack, Mooney and Jones are more or less the same thing, presenting dobbly medium pace. Ireland's brilliant Top 4, and the depth of those all-rounders will provide adequate batting strength, what the Irish need to concentrate on is not conceding 300+ totals in every game and wasting their batsman's good work. The extra front-line spin of Van Der Merwe provides that option, without sacrificing the balance of a still strong batting line-up.

Prediction

Ireland have been dealt an unlucky blow in that they are in Group B.The luck is particularly unfortunate as Ireland are currently ranked 10th above Zimbabwe, but these positions have reversed since the World Cup draw was made. If based on current rankings Ireland would be in Zimbabwe's place as the 5th team of Group A, where they would likely defeat Kenya and Canada, and would fancy themselves against their old bogey Pakistan, and a distinctly average New Zealand. But in Group B they are likely to score just the one win, and will have to fight for it over the Netherlands. 

It is in the middle positions that it really becomes a group of death compared to Group A. Bangladesh and the West Indies are only a shade above Ireland, and England in current form could be gettable, so the Irish will fancy their chances of reaching the Quarter Finals, but they'd have to win two of those matches which looks a bit of a stretch (especially as the most gettable of the 3, Bangladesh, are playing in their home fortress.) Ireland should beat the Netherlands and consequently take 6th in the group.

Hosford's XI

Porterfield (C), Stirling, Joyce, N.O'Brien, K.O'Brien, White, Mooney, Johnston, Van der Merwe, Dockrell, Rankin

WORLD CUP: Group A Squads - Bangladesh

Bangladesh World Cup Squad

Batsmen

Tamim Iqbal (Vice-Captain) - 21 - Left Hand Opening Batsman

Imrul Kayes - 23 - Left Hand Opening Batsman

Shahriar Nafees - 24 - Left Hand Opening/Top Order Batsman

Junaid Siddique - 23 - Left Hand Top Order Batsman

Mohammad Ashraful - 26 - Right Hand Top/Middle Order Batsman

Raqibul Hasan - 23 - Right Hand Middle Order Batsman

Mushfiqur Rahim - 22 - Wicket Keeper - Right Hand Middle Order Batsman

All-Rounders

Shakib Al-Hasan (Captain) - 23 - Left Hand Middle Order Batsman - Left Arm Orthodox Spin Bowler

Naeem Islam - 24 - Right Hand Middle Order Batsman - Right Arm Off Spin Bowler

Mahmudullah - Right Arm Off Spin Bowler - Right Hand Middle Order Batsman

Spin Bowlers

Suhrawadi Shuvo - 22 - Left Arm Orthodox Spin Bowler

Abdur Razzak - 28 - Left Arm Orthodox Spin Bowler

Fast Bowlers

Nazmul Hossain - 23 - Right Arm Medium Fast Bowler

Shafiul Islam - 21 - Right Arm Fast Medium Bowler

Rubel Hossain - 21 - Right Arm Medium Fast Bowler

This World Cup represents a coming of age not just for Bangladesh's cricket team, but for the whole nation. A country of just four decades, their rise as a cricking power has been meteoric. Little more than a decade ago Bangladesh were an associate minnow, considered comfortably below Kenya and barely on par with the likes of the Scottish and Dutch. Victory over Pakistan in the 1999 World Cup was the primary stepping stone and a year later they had jumped the queue to become the 10th Test nation. But through all the steady progress in cricketing infrastructure, Test match success has been hard to come by. A disappointing 2003 World Cup where they failed to win a game, including losses to Kenya and Canada, caused many people to question their status. A first Test win came in 2005 over a declining Zimbabwe but did little to allay concerns. But since the last World Cup four years ago, Bangladesh's improvement has taken a steeper slope.

The historic win over India to qualify for the Super Eights, where they recorded another huge upset over South Africa, announced Bangladesh's arrival on the world stage. An extremely telling insight into the threat Bangladesh poses is a stat that few people seem to have taken notice of or mentioned. As of 2010 with an ODI win over England in Bristol, Bangladesh have now beaten every other Test playing nation at least once in an international match. In the last two years Bangladesh have also achieved the milestones of first Test and ODI series wins over (non-Zimbabwe) Test opposition. In 2009 Bangladesh took advantage of contract disputes in the West Indies to score twin whitewashes over a weakened team 2-0 in the Test series and 3-0 in the ODI series. Then in late 2010 came the first series win over full strength opposition, an emphatic 4-0 ODI belting of New Zealand. Looking to the future, Bangladesh cricket is in a particularly healthy place thanks to the subcontinent culture of bringing cricketers up through the levels at absurdly young ages, creating teenage international players. The Bangladesh team is made up almost exclusively of men in their early 20s, but a majority of them now have at least two to four years experience as internationals.

For all of Bangladesh's improvement, their overall status must be kept in perspective. They remain right in the lower reaches of the Test playing echelon. Their batting ranks outside the superstars Tamim and Shakib remain of a scratchy standard in an international context, and their fast bowling attack is still not of international quality. But make no mistake, Bangladesh have the weapons to do anything in this World Cup. A slew of ever-improving dangerous spin bowlers is led by their enterprising captain Shakib Al-Hasan, who must surely qualify as the best all-rounder in the world. Shakib bats at No.4 or 5 and is a genuine world class run machine, all while being his nation's premier strike bowler. The other of Bangladesh's trump cards is vice-captain Tamim Iqbal, who's impetuous destructiveness at the top of the order makes Chris Gayle look staid and consistent. If the now quite experienced middle-order batting and support spin bowling can back up Tamim and Shakib on a regular basis, Bangladesh will be a genuine force at this World Cup.

Bangladesh play all six of their group games on home turf at this World Cup, and the advantage they gain by this cannot be underestimated. Bangladesh by far have the greatest discrepancy between their home and away performances of any Test nation. Away from the subcontinent Bangladesh can still be easy beats, as they lack genuine depth in batting and especially are absent of world class fast bowlers. But the truckloads of quality spinners and uniquely spin friendly conditions (even compared to India and Sri Lanka) make Bangladesh at home every bit as tough as even the top ranked teams. No team will escape Dhaka or Chittagong without a real fight. 

Prediction

Unless they have very off days, India and South Africa will probably be beyond the Bangladeshis. But winning all four other games is genuinely realistic. In all likelihood the final Quarter-final spot will come down to the Bangladesh-West Indies match which promises to be a humdinger. But at home Bangladesh are a genuine power, and would have to be considered favourites for that game. Expect to see them in the Quarter Finals.

Hosford's XI

Tamim Iqbal, Imrul Kayes, Junaid Siddique, Mohammad Ashraful, Shakib Al-Hasan (C), Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah, Naeem Islam, Abdur Razzak, Shafiul Islam, Rubel Hossain

WORLD CUP: Group B Squads - West Indies

West Indies World Cup Squad

Batsmen

Chris Gayle - 31 - Left Hand Opening Batsman

Adrian Barath - 20 - Right Hand Opening Batsman

Devon Smith - 29 - Left Hand Opening Batsman

Shivnarine Chanderpaul - 36 - Left Hand Top/Middle Order Batsman

Ramnaresh Sarwan - 30 - Right Hand Top/Middle Order Batsman

Darren Bravo - 21 - Left Hand Middle Order Batsman

Carlton Baugh - 28 -  Wicket Keeper - Right Hand Middle/Lower Order Batsman

All-Rounders

Dwayne Bravo - 27 - Right Hand Middle Order Batsman - Right Arm Medium Fast Bowler

Kieron Pollard - 23 - Right Hand Middle Order Batsman - Right Arm Medium Fast Bowler

Darren Sammy (Captain) - 27 - Right Arm Fast Medium Batsman - Right Arm Lower Order Bowler

Spin Bowlers

Sulieman Benn - 29 - Left Arm Orthodox Spin Bowler

Nikita Miller - 28 - Left Arm Orthodox Spin Bowler

Fast Bowlers

Ravi Rampaul - 26 - Right Arm Fast Medium Bowler

Kemar Roach - 22 - Right Arm Fast Bowler

Andre Russell - 22 - Right Arm Fast Bowler

The West Indies are somewhat of an enigma, with a difficult to predict fate at this World Cup. They of course have been in terminal decline for the best part of twenty years, with outright turmoil filling the last ten. The Caribbean festival in 2007 went so wrong, both as a tournament thanks to the incompetence of the ICC, and the poor performance of the hosts. Their failure to really threaten any Test nations genuinely throughout the tournament was made even more disappointing because it represented the swansong of the legend Brian Lara.

The four years that have since passed have surely been the worst years yet in the sorry history of 21st century West Indies cricket. Contract disputes leading to player walkouts resulted in a humiliating pair of Test and ODI series defeats at home to Bangladesh by a team scarcely able to even be called second XI quality. The general feeling remains that the Windies to this day have not fully returned to the very best team they can play since the strike. In 2010 the notoriously blase Chris Gayle finally saw reason and resigned from the captaincy, but with no suitable candidates ready or willing, the captaincy went to Darren Sammy, despite the fact that he is far from a certain starter in any form of international Cricket. Sammy is one of the least credentialed Test and ODI captains in recent memory on paper but to his credit he has stepped up, proving to be a strong marshaller of troops and showing the natural leadership qualities the West Indies administrators saw in him. But his Cricket will need to lead by example at this World Cup.

The West Indies' squad for the tournament still looks suspiciously light on genuine talent when you consider the cricketing depth of the Caribbean system. But it is at least a stable team. The Windies recently look to be at their most stable off the field, and consistent on the field since the last World Cup. The batting is the key for the calypso men. Chris Gayle is always inconsistent but he should surely have a good day or two in the tournament, and if they come against quality opposition he could singlehandedly cause an upset. Gayle's opening partner Barath is a young superstar who could potentially lead the way for the West Indies in the World Cup. Chanderpaul, Sarwan and Dwayne Bravo have vast amounts of talent and experience in the middle order and if they all find form, any team would struggle to bowl the West Indies out. 

But the bowling looks to be a huge issue. For a nation famous for its legendary mean fast bowlers, the lack of depth is astonishing. Ravi Rampaul is international quality, but hardly world class, and yet for any West Indies ODI squad is an automatic selection. Spinners Suliemann Benn and Nikita Miller will be useful at times, but lack consistency and real killer turn. In a dilemma similar to Australia's, it could be the form of the young vibrant pair of Kemar Roach and Andre Russell that decide their fate. Both are supremely talented bowlers of express pace, but both of them (Russell in particular) are inexperienced and unproven on the big stage. If they fire along with the batsman then the West Indies could spring a surprise or two, which could be all a team needs to be out of the tournament because of the Quarter Final format.

Prediction

The West Indies unit looks to have stabilized enough to be able to play its best cricket in this tournament. But there are question marks over how good that is. They should beat Ireland and the Netherlands at least (even that looked decidedly unlikely two years ago) but D Day will be March 4 and the game against Bangladesh. There is very little to split the two sides and the in form Bangladesh recently overtook the Windies for No.8 in the ICC ODI rankings. That game should decide who makes the Quarter Finals in 4th. Neither team is likely to go any further.

Hosford's XI

 Gayle, Barath, Sarwan, Chanderpaul. Dw Bravo, Dr Bravo, Sammy (C), Baugh, Benn, Roach, Russell

WORLD CUP: Group B Squads - England

England World Cup Squad

Batsmen
Andrew Strauss (Captain) - 33 - Left Hand Opening Batsman
Matthew Prior - 28 - Wicket Keeper - Right Hand Opening/Middle Order Batsman
Jonathan Trott - 29 - Right Hand Top Order Batsman
Kevin Pietersen - 30 - Right Hand Top Order Batsman
Ian Bell - 28 - Right Hand Top/Middle Order Batsman
Ravi Bopara* - 25 - Right Hand Middle Order Batsman

All-rounders
Paul Collingwood - 34 - Right Hand Middle Order Batsman - Right Arm Medium Bowler
Luke Wright - 25 - Right Hand Middle Order Batsman - Right Arm Medium Fast Bowler
Michael Yardy - 30 - Left Arm Orthodox Spin Bowler - Left Hand Middle/Lower Order Batsman
Tim Bresnan - 25 - Right Arm Medium Fast Bowler - Right Hand Lower Order Batsman

Spin Bowlers
Graeme Swann - 31 - Right Arm Off Spin Bowler
James Tredwell - 28 - Right Arm Off Spin Bowler

Fast Bowlers
Stuart Broad - 24 - Right Arm Fast Medium Bowler
James Anderson - 28 - Right Arm Fast Medium Bowler
Ajmal Shahzad - 25 - Right Arm Fast Medium Bowler

*Edit: Bopara replaced original squad member Eoin Morgan who was withdrawn due to a finger injury.

England have the talent in their squad to sweep all before them in the World Cup and be No.1 team in the world. The ever-reliable trio of Strauss, Trott and Bell are improving every day as one-day players and will support the X-factor Pietersen adequately. Anderson, Broad and Swann are one of the best wicket-taking trios in the world, and when in form the gruff workmanlike efforts of Collingwood and Yardy are of perfect value in ODI cricket, particularly in India. But yet again the timing of a World Cup after an Australian Ashes summer has taken its toll. England cannot use this as an excuse. Yes the Australians may have the luxury of being at home as opposed to being in what equates to an endless 6 month touring party, but they have to play the same amount of Cricket over these summers. Even after this load Australia have managed to win the last two March centred World Cups.

The majority of England's squad seem to either be out of form or carrying niggling injuries and English chances of World Cup glory have slipped from the best in 20 years in November, to being most unlikely. Two thirds of England's vital bowling triumvirate are out of condition as both Swann and Broad are returning from injury layoffs. James Anderson, by some miracle perhaps, has survived so far without major injury and with the burden of carrying the attack on his shoulders. England need him to survive the tournament which is far from guaranteed with his extended workload. Jonathan Trott impressed in Australia but may not score his runs fast enough for a subcontinental World Cup. Collingwood and Prior are in bad stretches of form, and Pietersen remains as petulant and inconsistent as ever. On top of that, England's premier One-Day batsman Eoin Morgan is out of the tournament, more due to bad management than anything else. 

If England are to be a threat in this World Cup though, they'll need to sort out their side's structure. For a few games in Australia as injuries took their hold, the selectors experimented with a strange looking batsman heavy line-up with Collingwood at No.7. As soon as the system took hold it was abandoned in lieu of a more traditional setup. Aside from the fact that this seven batsman line-up managed England's only win of the series, it was a cleverer idea than it might have appeared. It didn't work primarily because every front-line bowler was missing, and because Matthew Prior opening created a structural imbalance. If Anderson, Broad and Swann are all healthy and in form, England have all the strike power they need. The variety of medium pace like Collingwood and Trott would genuinely be of more value than playing Bresnan or Shahzad as a strike weapon. With the front-line trio bowling 30 overs, it leaves just 20 to be shared by a plethora of useful bowlers: Yardy, Collingwood, Trott, Pietersen and whoever plays out of Bopara and Wright. Yardy more often than not can be relied upon to bowl all or most of his 10 overs as well. Morgan's absence may have weakened my theory slightly from a middle-order standpoint, but it remains the way to go providing Bell or Bopara open and Prior is moved down to No.7 as a specialist keeper, who's batting talents are a bonus and can anchor the lower order. What batting depth it would be to have genuine all-rounder Yardy at 8, Test centurion Broad at 9 and the very handy Swann at 10.

Prediction

The format of the tournament could be England's saving grace. If those out of form can find some form, and those in form can be taken care of so they don't break down, England should do enough to reach the Quarter Finals 3rd in the group. At full strength England would fancy their chances over any of the seven teams in Group A. Once it comes down to those final 3 games to decide a champion, it's any one's guess and if the English boys can keep their bodies going and peak at the right time they have the potential to beat anyone. My pick? Quarter-finals.

Hosford's XI

Strauss, Bopara Trott, Pietersen, Bell, Collingwood, Prior, Yardy, Broad, Swann, Anderson

WORLD CUP: Group B Squads - South Africa

South Africa World Cup Squad

Batsmen

Graeme Smith (Captain) - 29 - Left Hand Opening Batsman

Hashim Amla - 27 - Right Hand Opening/Top Order Batsman

Colin Ingram - 25 - Left Hand Top Order Batsman

AB De Villiers - 26 - Right Hand Top Order Batsman - Wicket Keeper

Jean-Paul Duminy - 26 - Left Hand Middle Order Batsman

Morne Van Wyk - 31 - Right Hand Top/Middle Order Batsman - Wicket Keeper

All-Rounders
Jacques Kallis - 35 - Right Hand Top Order Batsman - Right Arm Fast Medium Bowler
Faf du Plessis - 26 - Right Hand Middle Order Batsman - Right Arm Leg Spin Bowler

Spin Bowlers
Johan Botha - 28 - Right Arm Off Spin Bowler
Imran Tahir - 31 - Right Arm Leg Spin Bowler
Robin Peterson - 31 - Left Arm Orthodox Spin Bowler

Fast Bowlers
Dale Steyn - 27 - Right Arm Fast Bowler
Morne Morkel - 26 - Right Arm Fast Bowler

Wayne Parnell - 21 - Left Arm Medium Fast Bowler

Lonwabo Tsotsobe - 26 - Left Arm Fast Medium Bowler

South Africa have perhaps the most interesting and surprising squad of any of the 14 teams at this 2011 World Cup. It is not so much the names that are unexpected, but the sudden back flip selectors seem to have had, and how unusual the balance of the squad looks. 

South Africa's vibrant and always successful (except in World Cups) One-Day International teams have always been characterised by a certain unique approach in terms of the balance of the side. A look over South African squads of the past will see experienced packed top order batting, a select group of mean fast bowlers, with a long list of exciting medium pace bowling all-rounders of varying quality but unwavering excitement in between. Names like Klusener, Pollock, Kallis, McMillan, Kuiper, Cronje, Kemp, Hall and Morkel are just a few names that roll of the tongue. Quality spin is rare to be seen. Yes there's been names like Henry, Symcox, Adams, Crookes, Boje and Peterson, but they would hardly instill much nostalgic fear in any cricket fan's mind. The top and the bottom of the squads may look rather similar, but the diversion from standard practice comes in the middle, where the usual swashbuckling style has given away to a quartet of spinners, and a middle order more about no-nonsense prodding and poking. 

A lot has been made of this unusual squad with many people dismayed. However I feel like it's a big step in the right direction. For starters South Africa's brilliant adventurers on paper have always crumbled at the World Cup when it really mattered. More importantly, the kind of characters being persisted with were unconvincing. The biggest exclusions are the plethora of big-hitting all-rounders who were spectacular but woefully inconsistent, like Albie Morkel, David Miller and Ryan McLaren. The selectors have finally come out of their stale shell and picked an appropriate timely squad for the conditions, not afraid to take risks such as picking Imran Tahir who is yet to play a single ODI, or the unproven du Plessis and Van Wyk who may seem like surprise picks, but make perfect sense in a subcontinental context. Unfortunately one recent trend has been stuck to in this squad, the omission of Test Wicket Keeper and all-time great Mark Boucher in favour of a multi-tasking AB De Villiers behind the stumps, despite his still novice international keeping skills. Boucher's batting, safe keeping and overall experience would be of far more use, and better balance the the squad than Robin Peterson whose selection as a fourth front-line spinner borders on overkill. Smith and Duminy can adequately provide back-up spin support.

Prediction

It's always impossible making any pick about a South African World Cup performance such is their luck at the tournament. 2007 was the first World Cup in which South Africa were not eliminated through a freak upset or fortuitous happening, but instead they were mediocre and never threatened despite coming in as No.1 int he world. On paper South Africa or India should win the whole tournament and only a brave man could bet against the Proteas. But I am a brave man. South Africa will fight for 1st and 2nd in the group with India, setting up a likely Quarter-Final with major underdogs Pakistan or New Zealand. The recipe is ripe for shock and disaster there.

Hosford's XI

Smith (C), Amla, Ingram, Kallis, De Villiers, Duminy, du Plessis, Botha, Steyn, Morkel, Tsotsobe.

WORLD CUP: Group B Squads - India

India World Cup Squad

Batsmen

Virender Sehwag (Vice Captain) - 32 - Right Hand Opening Batsman

Gautam Gambhir - 29 - Left Hand Opening Batsman

Sachin Tendulkar - 37 - Right Hand Opening/Top Order Batsman

Yuvraj Singh - 29 - Left Hand Middle Order Batsman

Suresh Raina - 24 - Left Hand Middle Order Batsman

Virat Kohli - 22 - Right Hand Middle Order Batsman

Mahendra Singh Dhoni (Captain) - 29 - Wicket Keeper - Right Hand Middle Order Batsman

All-Rounders

Yusuf Pathan - 28 - Right Hand Middle Order Batsman - Right Arm Off Spin Bowler

Spin Bowlers

Harbhajan Singh - 30 - Right Arm Off Spin Bowler

Ravichandran Ashwin - 24 - Right Arm Off Spin Bowler

Piyush Chawla - 22 - Right Am Leg Spin Bowler

Fast Bowlers

Zaheer Khan - 32 - Left Arm Fast Medium Bowler

Ashish Nehra - 31 - Left Arm Fast Medium Bowler

Munaf Patel - 27 - Right Arm Medium Fast Bowler
Sreesanth* - 28 - Right Arm Fast Medium Bowler

*Edit: Sreesanth replaces original squad member Praveen Kumar who was withdrawn due to an elbow injury.

Fate and chance have conspired to build an immeasurable load of pressure onto the shoulders of India's marvellous cricketers. India are now the No.1 Test side in the world, and have a formidable One-Day lineup which can beat anyone on their day. It could be argued that they'd be No.1 in both forms if it wasn't for the Indian obsession with resting their superstars in the One-Day game. Although I suppose the prioritisation on Test Cricket is commendable. If this wasn't enough for the disturbingly Cricket-mad public of India to build pressure on their team, this World Cup also happens to be come after the disaster that was India's first round exit in 2007, and on top of this, the chance for retribution comes at a World Cup which India are hosting. For all the successes of India's national team over the past decade, there is a distinct feeling that this 2011 World Cup is the make or break moment which will define the final legacy of this golden era.

On paper, India justify the tag of favourites, as ever because of the strength of their batting. Only Harbhajan and Zaheer are really world class bowlers outside India but it doesn't really matter very much when you have a batting line-up such as India's. But at home India's bowling unit is so effective, as Harbhajan and the slew of seemingly pedestrian medium-pacers manipulate the unique conditions which only they seem able to ever truly master. The biggest discussion point over the squad is the selection of young spinners Ashwin and Chawla over Test-incumbent Pragyan Ojha. I feel the arguments are somewhat mute though. Although one of the two will likely get solid game-time on the spinning wickets, their most important role in reality is to cover for the unthinkable, an injury to Harbhajan. The effectiveness of Sehwag, Yuvraj, Tendulkar and Pathan as a backup quarter to Harbhajan are the key to India strangling sides in the middle overs. Although I have no doubt India will go the double-pace-double-spin option on occasions, logic would dictate that the most formidable setup would be to play three quicks and rely on the depth of those support spinners.

India's squad, unfortunately for anyone supporting another country, shows a well-timed wake up call from the selectors. Dozens of young but rusty hopes, particularly in the fast-bowling and all-rounder departments as well as inconsistent under performers, most notably Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja, had played major parts in recent Indian One-Day Cricket. But when push has come to shove,the selectors have gone the tried and tested formula, and only the young spinners Ashwin and Chawla are of any particular surprise.

Prediction

For India it is all about how they handle the immense pressure of the home World Cup, and all its peripheral circumstances. Presuming they are not overwhelmed, then the Indians are surely favourites in their fortress-like home arenas. India or South Africa should top Group B and of the two, India are surely less likely to suffer a monumental choke. Once India reach the semi-finals (which they should easily enough), its anyone's guess.

Hosford's XI

Tendulkar, Sehwag, Gambhir, Yuvraj, Kohli, Dhoni (C), Pathan, Harbhajan, Zaheer, Patel, Nehra

WORLD CUP SQUADS: Group A - Kenya

Kenya World Cup Squad

Batsmen

Seren Waters - 20 - Right Hand Opening Batsman

Maurice Ouma - 28 - Right Hand Opening Batsman - Wicket Keeper

Alex Obanda - 23 - Right Hand Opening/Top Order Batsman

David Obuya - 31 - Wicket Keeper - Right Hand Opening/Top Order Batsman

Collins Obuya - 29 - Right Hand Top/Middle Order Batsman

Rakep Patel - 21 - Right Hand Top Order Batsman

 Steve Tikolo - 39 - Right Hand Top/Middle Order Batsman

Tanmay Mishra - 24 - Right Hand Middle Order Batsman

All-Rounders

Thomas Odoyo - 32 - Right Arm Fast Medium Bowler - Right Hand Middle Order Batsman

Spin Bowlers

Jimmy Kamande (Captain) - 32 - Right Arm Off Spin Bowler

James Ngoche - 22 - Right Arm Off Spin Bowler

Shem Ngoche - 21 - Left Arm Orthodox Spin Bowler

Fast Bowlers

Nehemiah Odhiambo - 27 - Right Arm Medium Fast Bowler

Peter Ongondo - 33 - Right Arm Fast Medium Bowler

Elijah Otieno - 23 - Right Arm Medium Fast Bowler

Kenyan cricket is in a difficult place right now, rather reminiscent of the Australian team. After reaching the spectacular scene of the 2003 World Cup semi finals, by 2007 Kenya had a rather newer but still experienced and promising side. However things have taken an unfortunate turn since, as the lack of top class cricket has drawn many of the last remaining 2003 stalwarts like Ravi Shah, Lameck Onyango and the Suji brothers into retirement or pastures elsewhere. Furthermore, many of the Kenya's clearly talented young brigade have stagnated notably, unable to hone their skills. 

The 2011 squad is a dangerous mix of inexperience and rather advanced age. Six players are making their World Cup debuts, but only five players have any genuine long term international experience. The Obuya brothers may be in their prime, but the same cannot be said for Steve Tikolo, Thomas Odoyo and Peter Ongondo. Tikolo has been a legend of Kenyan cricket, surely their all time most accomplished batsman. However he is now 39 and looked in scratchy form at best during recent warm ups against Indian provincial teams Baroda and Gujarat. However Tikolo and Odoyo do share the special achievement of playing in their 5th world cup, coming full circle after having been part of every one of Kenya's campaigns since their debut on the subcontinent in 1996.

The matches against Baroda and Gujarat, who are lower level teams of vastly inexperienced youth players, did not bode well. Kenya were well beaten in all five matches, putting up little resistance with bat or ball. There were signs however that promising youngsters Walters, Obanda and Patel may have more to offer. Kenya's real problem is in the bowling department and there is every chance they will go for some monumental 400+ scores as they toil hard on flat slow pitches in small regional stadiums throughout the World Cup. Captain Kamande is reliable but hardly penetrating, and the young Ngoche brothers are promising but wayward. The key to Kenya's bowling for the best part of a decade (along with former quick Martin Suji) have been the veterans Odoyo and Ongondo, neither of whom, now in their 30s, have shown any form reminiscent of their former glory days. 

Prediction

I've always had a soft spot for the Kenyans as their play enterprising Cricket, and were a wonderful story at the 2003 World Cup, but I fear they might be in for 5 weeks of pain and hardship. Although they'll want more, realistically their aim has to be winning the grudge match with Canada. If their good days coincide with the bad days of notorious teams like Pakistan, New Zealand and Zimbabwe they could have some extra fun. But anything beyond 6th place with a solitary win over Canada would be a major surprise.

Hosford's XI

Waters, Ouma, Obanda, D.Obuya, Tikolo, C.Obuya, Odoyo, Kamande (C), Odhiambo, Ongondo, J.Ngoche

WORLD CUP SQUADS: Group A - Canada

Canada World Cup Squad

Batsmen

Hiral Patel - 19 - Right Hand Opening Batsman

Ruvindu Gunasekera - 19 - Left Hand Opening/Top Order Batsman

Ashish Bagai (Captain) - 28 - Wicket Keeper - Right Hand Top Order Batsman

Zubin Surkari - 30 - Right Hand Top/Middle Order Batsman

Rizwan Cheema (Vice Captain) - 32 - Right Hand Middle Order Batsman

Jimmy Hansra - 26 - Right Hand Middle Order Batsman

All-Rounders

John Davison - 40 - Right Hand Opening/Middle Order Batsman - Right Arm Off Spin Bowler

Tyson Gordon -  28 - Left Hand Middle Order Batsman - Right Arm Fast Medium Bowler

Nitish Kumar - 16 - Right Hand Opening/Middle Order Batsman - Right Arm Off Spin Bowler

Harvir Baidwan - 23 - Right Arm Medium Bowler - Right Hand Middle/Lower Order Batsman

Karl Whatham - 29 - Right Arm Off Spin Bowler - Right Hand Lower Order Batsman

Spin Bowlers

Balaji Rao - 32 - Right Arm Leg Spin Bowler

Parth Desai - 20 - Left Arm Orthodox Bowler

Fast Bowlers

Khurram Chohan - 30 - Right Arm Fast Medium Bowler

Henry Osinde - 32 - Right Arm Medium Fast Bowler

Canada come into this World Cup as the clear minnow of all underdogs, but also with a nice little element of mystery. Only three of the fifteen have previous World cup experience. Medium pacer Osinde was part of the 07 squad although he did not feature prominently. Captain Bagai and long time talisman Davison, who honed his craft in his home town of Adelaide, are Canada's two wily veterans now. 

All manner of political problems have afflicted Canada's World Cup preparation. Davision threatened to leave the party when fellow veterans Ian Billcliff and Geoff Barnett were overlooked because of professional commitments in Europe. Overseas commitments are not a new problem for the Canadians, with captain Bagai also often absent. On top of this, a small portion of the squad face a nervous and rather time-sensitive wait for passports to enter India, and fast bowler Tyson Gordon is awaiting his very citizenship, having emigrated from Jamaica. 

It is an unfortunate side-effect when you take the decision to pack the national team with various expatriates, mostly from India, Pakistan and Australia, as opposed to fostering home grown talent. This is an argument which is at the heart of Canadian cricket.

The exuberance of youth, as well as the comparative anonymity of this Canadian team, even compared to fellow associate countries, could work in their favour, but it is hard to look past the lack of experience when judging the squad.

Prediction

Canada will genuinely fancy their chances. Kenya are in a troubled state and could be there for the taking, and you can always rely on Zimbabwe to fold miserably at certain times. Beyond these two clashes it's the same old story. The nature of the draw means one upset could mean a quarter final. However I find none of this particularly likely. Canada to tail the group. 

Hosford's XI

Patel, Gunasekera, Bagai (C) (WK), Davison, Cheema (VC), Surkari, Gordon, Baidwan, Rao, Chohan, Desai

WORLD CUP SQUADS: Group A - Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe World Cup Squad

Batsmen

Brendan Taylor - 24 - Right Hand Opening Batsman - Wicket Keeper

Regis Chakabva - 23 - Right Hand Top Order Batsman - Wicket Keeper

Craig Ervine - 25 - Left Hand Top Order Batsman

Sean Williams - 24 - Left Hand Top/Middle Order Batsman

Charles Coventry - 27 - Right Hand Opening/Middle Order Batsman - Wicket Keeper

Greg Lamb - 29 - Right Hand Middle Order Batsman

Tatenda Taibu - 27 - Wicket Keeper - Right Hand Middle Order Batsman

Terry Duffin* - 28 - Left Hand Opening Batsman

All-Rounders

Elton Chigumbura (Captain) - 24 - Right Arm Middle Order Batsman - Right Arm Medium Bowler

Spin Bowlers

Prosper Utseya - 25 - Right Arm Off Spin Bowler

Graeme Cremer - 24 - Right Arm Leg Spin Bowler

Ray Price - 34 - Left Arm Orthodox Bowler

Fast Bowlers

Christopher Mpofu - 25 - Right Arm Fast Medium Bowler

Shingirai Masakadza - 24 - Right Arm Fast Medium Bowler
Tinashe Panyangara*** - 25 - Right Arm Fast Medium Bowler

*Edit: Duffin replaces Tino Mawoyo** who was withdrawn due to an abdominal injury.
**Edit: Mawoyo replaces original squad member Sean Ervine who was withdrawn due to personal circumstances.
***Edit: Panyangara replaces original squad member Ed Rainsford who was withdrawn due to an ankle injury.

The World Cup has become Zimbabwe's vital quadrennial showpiece to show their might, now that they no longer play Test Cricket. 2007 was not a happy campaign for the men in red, comfortable victory against World Cup debutants Ireland looked assured before a monumental choke resulted in a thrilling tie. This was the only point Zimbabwe garnered from their three matches, finishing bottom of what many considered to be the weakest group. 

On paper there is no real indication that 2011 will be any better. Although the very public spats with team management have subsided, there is still the sneaking suspicion that the best eleven cricketers in Zimbabwe rarely make it out on the field. Certainly venerable dictator and slaughterer of many Robert Mugabe is never likely to release his stranglehold on the team's operational functions. Nevertheless there is promise in the squad. The experience of Taibu, Chigumbura, Utseya and Mpofu are key to holding the unit together. 

The biggest surprise in the squad is the inclusion of Hampshire all-rounder Sean Ervine, who hasn't represented Zimbabwe since a 2004 political dispute had apparently ended his international career. In turn the major surprise when it comes to omissions is experienced opener Hamilton Masakadza. His performances have been scratchy in recent times, but the fact that no specialist opener as been named instead of Masakadsa raises eyebrows. Who will partner Brendan Taylor at the top of the order is any one's guess, but seems to be out of unproven No.3 Regis Chakabva, out of favour former opener Charles Coventry, and the trusty Tatenda Taibu, who is not a natural opener. (Edit: Sean Ervine's withdrawal has opened a spot for a second specialist opener, Tino Mawoyo, who may be a potential option.) The other question mark over Zimbabwe's final configuration is whether they will play all three front line spinners with Mpofu as the single quick, as has been rumoured. This would surely be unwise. Even in subcontinent conditions at least two quicks are needed, and the third spinner's role can be covered by part-timers Lamb and Williams.

Prediction

There's little money on Zimbabwe to achieve anything of note in the tournament. While I also don't have any great expectations, as ever Group A's friendliness presents opportunities. Zimbabwe should take care of Kenya and Canada (Ireland and The Netherlands would be tougher prospects), and the nature oft he tournament means just one other upset could get Zimbabwe into the quarter finals. This would be a monumental achievement though, expect them to finish 5th in the group.

Hosford's XI

Taylor, Coventry, Chakabva, C.Ervine, Williams, Taibu, Chigumbura (C), Utseya, Price, Masakadaza, Mpofu

WORLD CUP: Group A Squads - Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka World Cup Squad

Batsmen

Tillakaratne Dilshan - 34 - Right Hand Opening/Middle Order Batsman

Upul Tharanga - 25 - Left Hand Opening Batsman

Kumar Sangakkara (Captain) - 33 - Wicket Keeper - Left Hand Top Order Batsman

Mahela Jayawardene (Vice-Captain) - 33 - Right Hand Top Order Batsman

Thilan Samaraweera - 34 - Right Hand Middle Order Batsman

Chamara Silva - 31 - Right Hand Middle Order Batsman

Chamara Kapugedera - 23 - Right Hand Middle Order Batsman

All-Rounders

Angelo Mathews - 23 - Right Hand Middle Order Batsman - Right Arm Fast Medium Bowler

Thisara Perera - 21 - Right Arm Medium Fast Bowler - Left Hand Middle/Lower Order Batsman

Spin Bowlers

Rangana Herath - 32 - Left Arm Orthodox Spin Bowler

Muttiah Muralitharan - 38 - Right Arm Off Spin Bowler

Ajantha Mendis - 25 - Right Arm Off Spin Bowler

Fast Bowlers

Nuwan Kulasekera - 28 - Right Arm Fast Medium Bowler

Dilhara Fernando - 31 - Right Arm Fast Medium Bowler

Lasith Malinga - 27 - Right Arm Fast Bowler

There are few surprises in Sri Lanka's squad. Of all the teams in the tournament Sri Lanka may arguably have the most settled squad of all. Certainly their top 7 is well and truly settled (although I still have question marks over Silva and Kapugedera). The only questions are over the bowling line-up. In the subcontinent, and with a majority of their matches at home in Colombo, Sri Lanka will surely play two quicks and two spinners, with Mathews as the 3rd pace option. That leaves two questions. 

1. Will Herath or Mendis support Murali as the 2nd spinner? Mendis is the more devastating front line bowler but can be inconsistent. Herath would be the perfect foil to Murali, he is more disciplined and economical, and rather than playing two off spinners, Herath's Left Arm finger spin, turning the ball away from the right hander provides good variety. It is this variety in fact which has earned him a place in the squad at all. Herath is probably the most surprising member of the squad, being picked over fancied young off spinner Suraj Randiv for the sole reason that the off spin monopoly would be broken.

2. Which two fast bowlers will take the new ball. Malinga is likely to be the incumbent, with Kulasekera, Fernando and Perera fighting over one spot. They all have their own advantages. Kulasekera is surely the best wicket taker of the three, but Fernando brings vital maturity and experience, while Perera's batting prowess would create a formidable middle order down to No.8. 

Although it is not exactly a surprise, and surely the only right decision, the announcement of the squad was nevertheless tinged with a certain amount of nostalgic sadness as all time legends Sanath Jayasuriya and Chaminda Vaas were overlooked. This leaves Murali as the only remaining veteran of their 1996 World Cup success.

Prediction

Sri Lanka's preparation is sound and their squad combines the natural world beating talent of the 90s, with an added experience and maturity. They will fancy their chances of finishing on top of Group A, and have every chance of becoming world champions for a second time.

Hosford's XI

  Dilshan, Tharanga, Sangakkara (C)(WK), Jayawardene, Samaraweera, Kapugedera, Mathews, Kulasekera, Herath, Muralitharan, Malinga

WORLD CUP: Group A Squads - Pakistan

Pakistan World Cup Squad

Batsmen

Mohammad Hafeez - 30 - Right Hand Opening Batsman

Ahmed Shehzad - 19 - Right Hand Opening Batsman
Asad Shafiq - 24 - Right Hand Top/Middle Order Batsman
Younis Khan - 33 - Right Hand Top/Middle Order Batsman
Misbah-ul-Haq - 36 - Right Hand Middle Order Batsman
Umar Akmal - 20 - Right Hand Middle Order Batsman - Wicket Keeper
Kamran Akmal - 29 - Wicket Keeper - Right Hand Opening/Middle Order Batsman

All Rounders
Shahid Afridi - 30 - Right Hand Opening/Middle Order Batsman - Right Arm Leg Spin Bowler
Abdul Razzaq - 31 - Right Hand Middle Order Batsman - Right Arm Fast Medium Bowler

Spin Bowlers
Abdur Rehman - 30 - Left Arm Orthodox Bowler
Saeed Ajmal - 33 - Right Arm Off Spin Bowler

Fast Bowlers
Wahab Riaz - 25 - Left Arm Fast Medium Bowler
Umar Gul - 26 - Right Arm Fast Medium Bowler
Shoaib Akhtar - 35 - Right Arm Fast Bowler
Junaid Khan* - 21 - Left Arm Medium Fast Bowler

*Edit: Junaid Khan replaces original squad member Sohail Tanvir who was withdrawn due to a knee injury.

Pakistan cricket has been filled with so much strife and disaster in the recent past that it is easy to forget how dangerous they are. For a decade really they have declined from the heights of the 1990s, with particularly painful spikes four years ago during their horrifying World Cup campaign, and in the last year with the still brewing spot-fixing controversy. At the heart of Pakistan's problems is a dysfunctional internal system where politics reigns supreme. Surely of all international teams Pakistan would have the greatest turnover of players from year to year. Therefore it is somewhat surprising that the World Cup squad is so unsurprising. No bemusing bolter has filtered into the ranks, nor has a top class player with qualms with the board found themselves unceremoniously dropped suddenly.

A sixteen man squad is currently playing an ODI series in New Zealand, and with a limit of 15 for the World Cup, the selectors have merely decided to remove one player and stay consistent to the ranks. The unlucky one, after a close fight with Left armer Sohail Tanvir, is up and coming Right am quick Tanvir Ahmed. The consistency of the squad is another sign that in recent months Pakistan cricket has, at least within the playing group, found some semblance of balance and peace. Mind you there remains glaring question marks, principally how a nation can name a squad for a World Cup without a captain. The position is likely between current One Day incumbent but loose cannon Shahid Afridi, and Misbah-ul-Haq who has the maturity and discipline to lead which Afridi lacks, but possesses the small problem of woeful recent One-Day form. Misbah would by no means be a guaranteed pick for any XI. 

What's more, consistency doesn't mean much when it involves staying true to a set of players which is not the best your country can produce. Salman Butt, Mohammad Aamera and Moahammad Asif remain unavailable as they await trial in the spot-fixing case. Former captain and all time great Mohammad Yousuf remains out of favour politically, as do key players Shoaib Malik and Danish Kaneria who have missed out for no good reason.

Prediction

For all its faults, this is a decent team with lots of experience. If the wise old heads Misbah, Younis, Shoaib and Razzaq can hold the unit together, they should make the quarter finals, thanks largely to the friendliness of the group A draw. Once the group stage is over it becomes little more than a lottery in the knockout stages. Pakistan don't have the consistency to win three big games consecutively and become champions, but at their best they can beat anyone and might just take a big scalp or two down with them.

Hosford's XI

Mohammad Hafeez, Shahid Afridi, Asad Shafiq, Younus Khan, Misbah-ul-Haq (C), Umar Akmal (WK), Abdul Razzaq, Abdur Rehman, Wahab Riaz, Umar Gul, Saeed Ajmal