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.

The World Cup Solution

This week we enter the knockout stage of the Cricket World Cup, with a quarter-line up which was essentially a foregone conclusion at the outset of the tournament a month ago. However the infinite insanity of the ICC, creating a tournament format to ensure a maximum number of games for the financial lynch pins of the sport and avoid the kind of economic farce of 2007, must not detract from what has been a thoroughly entertaining month of Cricket. The nature of this most unique of sports fundamentally ensures that mismatches will always find a way to happen. The default way of things would seem to involve whining about the group stage being boring or predictable because of the lack of quality match ups, while in another Internet tab ranting spiritedly on how evil the ICC are to get rid of the Associate nations for forthcoming World Cups. The supposed faultiness of Cricket's showpiece tournament has become a self-fulfilling prophecy, with the incompetence of the ICC and the irritability of a demanding cricketing public dooming the World Cup to a perpetual lack of appreciation.

By every logical measure this 10th edition of the World Cup has been an unqualified success, particularly compared to the Caribbean abomination preceding. Ticket sales have been excellent, and prices mercifully brought back down to Earth unlike four years ago. As for the Cricket itself, we largely have England to thank for the excitement and tension of the group stage. Group A admittedly suffered from the prolonged and foregone format, but Group B was anyone's guess until the final days. If Bangladesh had the experience to deal with home expectation and avoid their spectacular collapses, if England had been unable to contain the West Indies' thrilling run chase, and had Asoka De Silva not committed the tournament's biggest umpiring howler just as Ireland looked set to overcome the West Indies, the results could have been very different. It is just a shame really that the ICC as ever had to be so unconscionably simple-minded as to come up with such a staid format. It's amazing to think how great could this World Cup could have been. As it stands, if the final seven games provide their fair share of drama we still might have the best ever edition of the modern dozen-plus team coloured clothing tournament yet.

Something must be done about the absurdity of having Quarter Finals in a tournament which, with respect to Bangladesh, has a clear eight team hierarchy. You only have to look at the thrashing World No.7 New Zealand doled out to the 10th full member Zimbabwe to understand what an inopportune juncture for dramatic tension a cutoff of eight is. The next tournament must be different, and lo and behold it is. You'd think the ICC might have seen reason. But alas this remains a notion of a cricket fan's wildest imaginings. Only the ICC could have the genius to devise an infinitely worse format for 2015's tournament in Australia and New Zealand. The format is not finalised yet, but what is assured is that only 10 teams will be admitted to the tournament. The decision to, in all probability, entirely exclude the nations where Cricket remains at its most relatable and innocent, and who most vitally need development and exposure, is tacit confirmation that the power brokers who run Cricket have their brains in their back pockets. As a 20 year old Australian, 2015 will be the first World Cup I'll have the pleasure of experiencing without a dummy in my mouth (notwithstanding the need I still have for this one judging by this article.) I can attest to the immense disappointment many Cricket fans must feel at this money-grubbing decision. But as previously stated, 2011's structure too will not do. So to what middle ground do we go?

The Solution

Twelve teams. Two groups of six. The Top two teams from each group advance to the Semi Finals. 33 games. Roughly 30 days.

For all the complexities and passions of the World Cup it's really quite simple. 14 teams is too many. 10 is not enough. 12 is right in the middle. I'll go into the main two reasons in detail, but the benefits of the system are self explanatory. There would be a third less games than the 49 in 2011's World Cup. The tournament would be concise but retain all its status and grandeur, it would be compact but still open to developing nations. 

The Associates

Aside from Ireland, and the odd fleeting patches of promise from the Dutch and the Canadians, the Associates have been disappointing at this World Cup and have been the primary contributor to the bad taste in many people's mouths. It is clear that I am of the popular view that 10 teams is patently unfair and the Associate members must be given an opportunity. But in the current state of play, 14 teams is too many for complex reasons beyond the obvious. Generally the opposing arguments relating to the minnows are that on the one hand, they need international exposure, but on the other hand what good is going around for a month getting constantly thrashed? Both these problems can be fixed by processes completely outside the boundaries of the quadrennial showcase of Cricket. Firstly more bilateral contests between Associate nations and Full member nations must be set up. But this is both unlikely to fully eventuate because of the self-interested Cricket boards, and not the full extent of the fix. Secondly, the in-house stakes need to be raised.

Four slots is too many, and there are too few Associates with a genuine Cricketing infrastructure. In the foreseeable future the 13th and 14th ranked teams in the world are not going to be of sufficient quality to warrant a World Cup berth. If only two slots were available, (one of which would surely go to Ireland), the onus would be on those nations (and the ICC to support them) to get to the level they need to get to qualify for a World Cup. The overall competitive level of the World Cricket League, involving the Associate nations, would clearly increase, and every World Cup would be guaranteed two respectable teams who had to achieve a certain high level just to qualify. In time all the front running Associates would develop and the World Cup could expand beyond 12 teams. But either way it moves forward instead of treading water. The overall quality has generally increased, but the fact remains that there is a huge gulf between the world's 8th and 9th ranked teams and the 13th and 14th, just as there was 20 years ago.

Why Quarter-Finals do not work

On the surface this would seem obvious, as it has become indelibly customary for cricket fans to frustratedly fret about how irrelevant the first month of the World Cup is before the inevitable eight teams line up in the knockout stage. But now the Quarter Finals are here everyone is sufficiently pumped up and satisfied that the remainder of the tournament will be both dramatic and fair. Neither is necessarily so. Because the quality differential between Cricket's 1st and 8th ranked teams is so great, Quarter Finals more often than not result in one (or both) of two undesirable situations. The first has been exemplified in a blazing pile of Caribbean ineptitude this week at the World Cup, where the lowest ranked of the eight teams left, The West Indies, served up nothing but a variety platter of different types of awful, and were mercilessly browbeaten by Pakistan, a team not known for being too clinical. 

The second scenario we have thankfully escaped to any notable level at this World Cup. Regardless of whether the tournament is 12,14 or 16 teams, making the Quarter Finals can be achieved exclusively by beating only the minnows in your group, even if thoroughly outclassed in every game against a Test playing nation. England's infamous 1996 World Cup team achieved this ignominious distinction, finishing 4th in their six team group with just two wins from five, over hapless debutants the United Arab Emirates and The Netherlands. The games against New Zealand, Pakistan and South Africa all ended in comprehensive defeats. By finishing fourth you would play the top team from the opposing group, who may have a peerless unbeaten record. There is every chance this game would skew to either unsatisfying extreme, either the undefeated team would utterly humiliate their below-par opponents, or because of the fantastic beauty of Cricket, an upset might happen. I am all for upsets and am not laying claim to knockout stages inherently being flawed because 'the best team might not win.' An English Football style League only model is out of date in the modern world of corporate sport, where it is the big money events like Grand Finals that bring home the bacon. But I feel that in a cricketing context it is too far towards the extremities of unfairness to have scenario like the 1996 World Cup once again. In 96 South Africa won all five group games but then lost to the West Indies who'd won just two from five (including an astonishing capitulation to lowly Kenya) on the back of a single heroic innings by Brian Lara.

The sport is not football. Cricket operates in a uniquely bizarre way, where different nations in its hierarchy are allowed or denied to play the actual primary form of the game. There are only ten test nations, basic mathematical logic tells you that eight is too big a sufficient number to weed down towards subsequent to a group stage. Teams like England in 1996, and this year's West Indians, prove that the Cricket World Cup with eight teams in the final knockout stage fails to convey what a final knockout stage of such a tournament should convey. That is the impression that we are now down to the true final few elites, who have already achieved so much and now must jump the last but biggest hurdles on the way to glory. But four teams is a different kettle of fish.

Why Semi Finals work

I am really quite astonished that, of all the varying and extensive dialogues I've participated in, and opinions I've read, no-one seems to to have thought of or publicly aired the idea of going straight to the Semis. It is surprising because it feels so fundamentally right and obvious. One reason for the oversight may be that in the late 20th and 21st century, sport as an entire entity has softened up. As an Australian I can readily point to some of the recent finals systems used in our football codes, such as Top 10 of 20, and ridiculously, Top 8 of 14. When did finals criterion, both in a single tournament like a World Cup, and in an annual league post-season, become so much easier to fulfil. NRL teams in this decade can win only 10 or 11 of 24 games, yet make the finals and conceivably be only four wins from premiership glory. It is no coincidence that by far the most exciting and successful Cricket World Cup I've ever experienced, was South Africa 2003. It had the harshest ratio of teams participating to teams advancing. There were 14 teams and just 6 would move on, the top 3 from each group, into a Super Six stage. South Africa, The West Indies, England and Pakistan all failed to advanced, and they all invariably were involved in tense life or death thrillers in the process. However the Super Six concept, albeit one I enjoyed, has also proven unpopular and untenable because of both its needless complexity, and it drawing the length of the tournament out a bit too much. So all that leaves is Super Four. The good old Semi-Final.

Cricket in its current state is perfect for a 10/12/14 to 4 straight Semi-Final scenario. Six teams fill the top echelon roughly, with New Zealand slightly behind and then the following group beginning at the West Indies. If you had to pick a single number as your cutoff point between stages at a World Cup, for the highest possible drama and unpredictability as to who would and wouldn't make the cut, it would have to be four. This also shortens the tournament overall. Twelve teams in two groups of six would play 30 games, and then there would be a mere three further games. Every group game between major nations would not be genuinely of value, instead of holding a largely artificially derived value where its all about 'where in the top four' a team might finish. Behind this facade, everyone knows that both teams are still in the tournament regardless, and this reduces the stakes tenfold. But if it were only the top two advancing, a team would know that one loss and they may be out, two losses and they probably will be.

Happily this World Cup has amplified the wisdom behind the concept in the way it has played out. If just the top two teams from both groups moved on to the next stage in this World Cup, then the last three showcase games involving Test nations in the group stage would all have been sudden death blockbusters. The 42nd and last Group game between India and the West Indies was 2nd vs 3rd. The winner would have made the Semi-Finals, the loser gone home. Before that, Group A climaxed with Australia vs Pakistan and New Zealand vs Sri Lanka. Ignoring unusual happenings, this is a straight shootout. The two winners came 1st and 2nd, the two losers came 3rd and 4th. This may seem harsh on Australia, to miss out from a single loss in their last game, but that's the way it goes. Australia and Sri Lanka had the unique circumstance of their game (which as it turned out was THE pivotal game to decide 2nd and 3rd in the group) being washed out and the points shared. You can't legislate against extenuating circumstance. But for Australia, elimination would have been fair punishment for their scratchy wins over Canada and Kenya. Therein lies the final bonus gem of the format. Every single game, even those monotonous mismatches, take on new importance and tension because net run rate becomes even more vitally important to a team's very survival. Take note ICC. It only needs a careful tweak and your World Cup will retain its former glory.

WORLD CUP: Solid Australians tick the boxes

The 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup is already entering its second week, and after 10 matches of varying competitiveness and quality, it is difficult to discern whether this World Cup is destined to be a success yet. The fortunes of the tournament lie in the same unsure pensive state as the chances of the team who have dominated so thoroughly over the past decade.

I'm not a man who gets involved in a lot of these fancy new technologies (this esteemed blog aside), but doing the Internet rounds you find certain trending dialogues in social media inescapable. The latest common discourse is that this tournament  is already feeling overlong, and that there has been barely any competitive cricket in a week.

Sure, there have been inevitable logistical imperfections such as the ticketing problems for the final in Mumbai, but this is the ICC we're talking about and no Cricket expert would have expected competency from such an organisation. There hasn't been a last-ball classic yet either and we've had our fair share of huge thrashings, but all in all it's been solid viewing. Cynicism seems to be a job requirement for cricket punditry these days. It is the in-thing to pour scorn on every World Cup in the last 20 years because of the minor flaws inherent in the formats and fortuitous happenings of each tournament. In truth, of the last five World Cups, only 2007 left a sour taste in my mouth or the mouths of anyone I know.

As a wonderfully lethargic home pundit, I haven't had to experience the frustration of many (often delayed) flights back and forth around the subcontinent. I haven't had to experience India's stifling heat nor have I viewed the panorama of empty stadiums during neutral clashes. But this is the perspective of 99% of the Cricket fanatics watching this World Cup, many of whom have watched every ball just as I have, even at the late hours the games run to in Australia.

The ten games so far have all had their own unique charms. Only three have had any lasting tension late in the match but you can't expect thrillers every day from any tournament, even that model of efficiency the Football World Cup. These one-sided contests have been somewhat skewed towards the front of the tournament as well. More one-sided humiliations will come, but tight high-quality contests should pepper throughout with increasing regularity. The only real nagging problem with the World Cup is that the top 4 in each group advance to the Quarter Finals, and barring any miracles the Quarter Finalists are essentially a foregone conclusion. But each match can still be enjoyed on its own merits, and there are many marquee clashes to come, starting tonight when India face England in Bengaluru.

As the World Cup goes on, the paths of its participants will start to diverge. Some teams will ride a wave of good form, others will sink into an interminable trough, some should fluctuate wildly. Then there is the major upset or two which always finds a way of happening. The Quarter Finalists may be easy to pick, but their order isn't whatsoever.

As for Australia, they have had two comfortable wins, but still don't look convincing.There have been brilliant patches from the raging pace trio of Lee, Tait and Johnson, and the top order pairing of Watson and Haddin have looked as dominant as ever, but there are still huge questions marks over the depth in either department. Neither Zimbabwe nor New Zealand tested the Aussies, whose basic skills were enough alone to do the job. The first big test will come against Sri Lanka on Saturday. Last night came the first result that could reasonably be called an upset, with Pakistan's 11 run win over Sri Lanka. Pakistan's triumph last night could halt Sri Lanka's rampant ODI confidence, which started late last year with their series win in Australia. Sri Lanka remain favourites for the match in my book, but Pakistan might just have done Australia a great favor.

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

Local News Wrap: January 15-30 2011

Tennis

Injury denies Nadal/Djokovic thriller
2008 Australia Open Champion and perennial World No.3 Novak Djokovic finally broke the sophomore hoodoo off his back last Sunday by winning his second major at the 2011 Australian Open. In the process he scored emphatic wins over the great man Roger Federer in the semi-final, and Britain's favourite choker Andy Murray in the final, both in straight sets. His form was so ominous to suggest that he could have gone even to beating a full strength Rafael Nadal than he managed in losing last year's US Open final in 4 sets. Until his quarter-final Nadal looked quite unstoppable, but a torn muscle in his thigh which started to show up during a marathon second game left him helpless against consistent but hardly world-bearing countryman David Ferrer. The injury denied Rafa perhaps not a sure Rafa-Slam, completing a non-calendar year grand slam by adding the Australian Open titles to the French, Wimbledon and US which he won last year, but certainly denied us a titanic final between two masters of power.

Aussie Kim class of the field
Belgian superstar and long time Aussie fan favourite Kim Clijsters has finally won the Australian Open, her 4th grand slam title adding to the three US Open triumphs she achieved previously. Clijsters may have suffered lapses throughout the tournament and played a particularly below-par first set in the final, but that she still so emphatically and inevitably won a tournament where was far from her best highlights gulf in women's tennis. If both Williams sisters are fit and motivated, Clijsters is at her best, and the plethora of talented tour players but Grand Slam chokers like Wozniacki, Zvonareva and Jankovic play to their potential, women's tennis could be absolutely captivating. The added factor of someone like Li Na, sweeping all before her in reaching the Australian Open final, and stunning youngsters like Petra Kvitova, defy popular claims that women's tennis is in a rough patch. The problem is that the majority of these top ranked tour players remain underachievers, and the Williams sisters remain committed to their questionable program of minimal tennis, which noticeably has not helped decrease their propensity for injury. As it is there is Clijsters. Although she falters on clay and grass courts, its hard not to imagine Kim starting a hard court legacy in Melbourne and New York.


Football

Last chance heartbreak for the golden generation
Australia's ever beloved Socceroos are still licking the wounds from a devastating Asian Cup final, in which the Socceroos dominated every facet of play only to watch Japan steal Asian football's biggest prize 1-0 from a freak extra time strike by substitute Tadahari Lee. The loss potentially represents the final chance at international silverware for many of Australia's aging legends. The Socceroos campaign had gathered steam at the perfect pace, but one can't help but wonder if Japan's emotion charged semi-final penalty shootout win over South Korea primed them for the pressure moments more than Australia's rather leisurely 6-0 demolition of a foul Uzbekistan did. The Socceroos dominated the first half, but were unable to put away the many chances that presented themselves, helped by the sterling efforts of Japanese goal-keeper Eiji Kawashima.

As the pressure built in the second half there were lapses however, with the Socceroos lucky to escape from a few counter-attacking raids, and the enterprising play of the first half game way to a more predictable series of increasingly inaccurate crosses into the box. A brilliant save by Kawashima denied Harry Kewell one-on-one, but it was nevertheless a goal Harry should in any normal circumstance have put away. Lee's strike came in the 109th minute, shortly after the half way interval in extra-time, and came about inevitably from two tiny errors from the Socceroos left backs. Luke Wilkshire allowed Yuto Nagamoto to break clear and find space to cross to Lee who's fresh legs were able to wrong-foot a slightly off the ball David Carney, leaving Lee unmarked with the way clear for a spectacular finish.

Spectacular Roar seal historic achievement
The Hyundai A-League is about to enter its final fortnight, and the setup of the top 6 is nearly clear. After all the troubles and disruptions caused by the flood disaster, the Brisbane Roar have managed to stay on track, scoring tough wins 2-0 over the Wellington Phoenix and 2-1 over the Melbourne Heart. These results seal the club's first ever minor-premiership. The job coach Ange Postecoglou has done can not be underestimated. The unprecedented amount of player swaps he did before the new season raised question marks but have resulted in arguably the most dominant single season by an A-League team ever. But now they must complete the job, against more experienced finals teams.

The battle over the final two spots in the six is nearly settled now. The Heart needed victory over the Roar to stay in touch with crosstown rivals the Melbourne Victory who they drew with 2-2 in a thrilling local derby, and with the Wellington Phoenix who bookended their loss to Brisbane with impressive displays against the Perth Glory (2-0) and the Newcastle Jets 1-0. The Victory and Phoenix look somewhat safe for 5th and 6th now. The Heart will need to score an upset win over the in form Central Coast Mariners to retain any realistic hope, and the Jets would need a miracle. The Mariners on their part have pulled clear in the battle for 2nd with Adelaide United, after winning their grudge match 2-1, rather tempering United's

Full Ladder here.

Cricket

Weary poms feel Ashes hangover.
Australia's cricketers are saving some sort of face with some impressive one-day performances in the needlessly long seven-match series which is ongoing. Even more encouraging with the World Cup pending has been the quality of cricket and the drama, most games have remained competitive until late in the contest with two last over thrillers. For all the criticism of Australian cricket, a 4th successive World Cup may not be out of the question. Injuries have wreaked havoc with the squad as Michael Hussey, Nathan Hauritz, Xavier Doherty, Steve Smith and Shaun Tait have all come down with substantial injuries of varying severity. Hussey's hamstring tear in game 1 and Hauritz' shoulder dislocation while fielding in game 2 are the gravest concerns.  No player (with the possible exception of the superhuman Watson, and the comeback hero Lee) have showed any particularly consistency either. Yet through all the setbacks and periods of bad play, Australia lead the series 5-1, and everyone has put their hand up at some stage.

Game 1 was all about Watson's heroic 161 as Australia overhauled a formidable 294. Game 2 saw Hussey's replacement Shaun Marsh expose our idiotic selection policy by scoring 110 after not being picked for the World Cup. Australia were 4 for 33, then 8 for 142, yet still won comfortably in the end. Game 3 saw Brett Lee at his brilliant best and some useful overs from Xavier Doherty on his return to the team, before David Hussey and Brad Haddin overcame an early batting collapse to chase down 215. England won Game 4 but the performance of Steve Smith silenced his doubters with bat and ball. Captain Michael Clarke was the notable man missing from the form sheet. Then in Game 5 he made a gutsy 54 to anchor Australia's innings, before a disciplined display from the whole bowling line-up sealed a convincing win, and then struck a wonderful 82 off 70 balls in Game 6, leading Australia to a remarkable chase of 334, Australia's biggest ever successful run chase.

Even conceivable bit players like David Hussey, Steve Smith and John Hastings have performed well at times. The only player with no real form is Cameron White, but he is a class player and will surely come good sometime during the World Cup.

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