Only three days remain before the start of the cricket’s most celebrated tournament. Below is the preview of each of the major teams, broken down into batting and bowling strength and weakness, along with key player and the tactics each team will look to employ.
WEST INDIES
West Indies were world cup semi-finalist the last time world cup was played in the sub-continent; sadly this was 16 years ago. Four years ago as hosts and with Brian Lara at the helm; they failed to even get past the super sixes round. Inconsistency has been a trademark of this team, and a berth in the Quarter Finals could well depend on the result of their match against Bangladesh.
BATTING
Strength:
West Indies will rely heavily on Gayle at the start and Pollard at the finish. Both are capable of clouting the ball to all parts with mighty force, and with spinners expecting to do majority of bowling these two men are vital to their team chances. In the middle order are the experienced campaigners in Sarwan and Chanderpaul, both play spin extremely well and rotate strike in middle overs to sustain a good run rate provided by Gayle brisk opening. Sarwan especially, has a very good record in the sub-continent. His technique of driving on the rise will be suited on the placid wickets.
Weakness
Too much emphasis will be on Chris Gayle to provide a rapid start. There is no other player in the top five who can intimidate and demoralise the opposition bowlers. All-rounders Dwayne Bravo and Pollard, are “hit out” or “get out” players particularly if tied down for couple of overs. Both players are in favour of playing a big shot rather than working singles to accumulate the runs. This style of batting may provide their downfall when required to bat 25 or 30 overs.
BOWLING
Strength
West Indies strength in bowling is the variation. Kemar Roach has raw pace, who has the tendency to skid the ball, can work to his advantage in the sub-continent. Suleiman Benn and Chris Gayle provide left arm and right arm options in terms of spin bowling. Dwayne Bravo and Pollard are good medium pacers whose slower balls and other variations can produce wickets against the run of play.
Weakness
The bowling is containment bowling lineup and suited only if West Indies are defending large totals. Suleiman Benn has not played too much of one day cricket and Nikita Miller also seems short of experience. Bravo and Pollard are not stump to stump bowler’s a-la Chris Harris or Gavin Larsen; they rely on variation for wickets. These experimentations for variation can make them inconsistent in terms of line and lengths.
TACTICS:
Expected to bat first and get Chris Gayle going hard at the top, Sarwan and Chanderpaul to build the innings and then Pollard and Bravo to get 8 to 12 per over in the last 10. Gayle’s tactics of batting first may change only if they play at a venue where dew will become a factor.
KEY PLAYER: Apart from all the batting stars the key player for West Indies is Kemar Roach. Roach has the ability to swing the new and old ball and his natural full length will suite the flat wickets. Roach might be a real surprise weapon if he gets it right in the world cup.
NEW ZEALAND
New Zealand always prepares well for big tournaments and their results reflect this professional approach. Leading up to world cup they have played series in India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh over the past six months to acclimatise. Unfortunately, they were beaten comprehensively in all of them. This goes to show that they just don’t have players to execute the plans this time around.
BATTING
Strength
Ross Taylor is really the only world class batsman in the lineup. When he gets going, he is as good as the best of them and is vital for providing the impetus at the top of the order. Taylor’s ability settles the top order and also allows the stroke makers to bat around him. McCullum, Oram and Vettori add plenty of depth, especially if there is no pivotal figure at the top. McCullum is one of the cleanest hitters of cricket ball; his ability to play the scoops the reverse sweeps; allow him to dominate in any stage of the game.
Weakness
Apart from Ross Taylor, the top order is lacking a world class batsman. New Zealand scorecards often show too many 30s and 40s rather than couple of large scores. To win high scoring matches, it is essential the 30s and 40s are converted into scores beyond 80s or 100s, something definitely lacking in New Zealand team. There is always the feeling the batting skills from Number 4 number to 8 remains the same which makes them vulnerable, if the top order is lost early.
BOWLING :
Strength:
New Zealand similar to the West Indies, have variety in their attack, in the form of spinners and medium pacers. Daniel Vettori with impeccable accuracy and subtle changes of pace & flight can trouble most team. Along with Styris and McCullum, New Zealand attack has the ability to strangle oppositions in the middle overs.
Weakness:
Every team has a world class or a spearhead fast bowler, something that NZ lacks. In the past world cup campaigns, there has always been a spearhead like Shane Bond or Geoff Allot. The likes of Mills, Southee, and Oram are too predictable on placid wickets and lack wicket taking ability. This means that additional responsibility or burden of the attack falls on Dan Vettori. This has always allowed other teams to play Vettori watchfully, while the other bowling is treated with contempt.
TACTICS
In the past, NZ have preferred to bowl first and exploit the early conditions. However, in the sub-continent especially with their fast bowling depleted expect them to apply the bat first strategy. If the top order shows early signs of form, expect Brendon McCullum to be used as floater in the batting order. If NZ are to be successful; wickets needs to be preserved at the start; so the likes of Vettori, McCullum and Oram can cut loose at the end. Look out for Nathan McCullum to open the bowling if the conditions are favourable.
KEY PLAYER: Jesse Ryder is one man who has brute power, plays spin well and apart from Ross Taylor is skilled enough to build an innings. Recent success in India will do his confidence the world of good.
ENGLAND:
The last time England had a successful world cup was way back in 1992. After the recent successful ashes campaign, the team has been on a high, but with injury concerns, their depth will be severely tested. About one month back many people were marking down England as one of the semi-finalists but lots has changed since then.
BATTING
Strength
Any batting line up with Kevin Pietersen in the top order is formidable. Kevin Pietersen’s physical presence can intimated any bowler even before a bowl has been bowled, add to it his sublime skills against spin and fast bowling, make him the core of England’s batting. The support cast of Strauss, Bell and Trott, provide the batting a technically solid look. Solidarity of Jonathon Trott at number 3, allows the likes of Strauss, Pietersen and Bell to bat with extra freedom. Bresnan, Broad and Swan also give England much needed depth in their batting.
Weakness
The batting styles of players like Strauss, Trott and Bell are better suited to test cricket than ODI cricket. All have great technique but don’t have robust shots or deft touches that are needed on the sub-continent wickets. English batsmen seem to be inapt to rotate strikes during the middle overs against quality spin bowling. Eoin Morgan presence will surely be missed in the middle order. Reliance on KP to score large proportions of the runs could well prove to be the achilles heel.
BOWLING:
Strength
England bowlers are suited to exploit any swing that could be on offer, particularly under lights. Bowlers like Anderson, Broad and Bresnan are capable of picking up early wickets and putting the opposition under pressure when the conditions are likeable. The coming of age of Graeme Swann, definitely gives England spinning option, which has been missing in the past. Swann’s attacking and probing lines can make indents against even the most formidable batting line up.
Weakness
The core of English bowling is inexperienced when it comes to bowling on the sub-continent. Broad and Bresnan are quality bowlers in favourable conditions, but on unresponsive wickets they lack the skills to prevent the flow of runs. The bowling also seems over attacking and does not have containment bowler who can hold down an end. All these facts are proven with England’s poor record in India, where they have struggled to stop the scoring blitz.
TACTICS: Will be praying to win the toss and bat first at every opportunity, allowing their bowlers to bowl in the cooler conditions in evening. Ian Bell should be promoted to open the batting, he is exceptional player of fast bowling and is technically sound. Matt Prior struggled last time he opened in India and should be batted in lower order.
Key Player: KP may have attitude or ego but he is hell of cricketer, who has the ability to intimidate any bowlers. KP can use his feet to put the bowlers off their length and use his wrists to hit a balls pitching six inches outside off stump through leg stump. KP is a big series player and if he finishes the leading scorer in the tournament expect England to make the semis, or go even further.
PAKISTAN
Pakistan is the sleeping giants in this world cup, marked by off-field controversies and on-field brilliance make them the most unpredictable. Success in the tournament may come down to attitude, discipline and willingness to battle tough periods. If all the boxes above are ticked, the trophy could well be within their grasp.
Batting
Strength
Pakistan’s finishing power is second to none in this world cup. If a solid platform has been set by the top order, Afridi and Razzaq are capable of scoring 100 runs in last ten overs on each occasion. War horses such as Mishab and Younis at 4th and 5th are essential for the platform need by Afridi and Razzaq. Mishbah is a master in the middle over’s, he has the shots against spinners and fast bowlers on these wickets. In Younis Khan, Pakistan have a middle order batsman who is capable of working the balls into gaps and picking up six runs an over without taking any risks.
Weakness: Pakistan top order remains shy of experience with Shezad and Hafeez. Kamran Akmal at number 3 could well be exposed if there are early wickets. If the top 3 fail, the likes of Mishbah and Younis may have additional pressure on more occasions than expected. Pakistan batting always seems like one game away from imploding, poor shot selection can take place and the wheels can come off very easily.
Bowling
Strength
Pakistan bowling stocks will allow them them to select the bowlers according to wickets. With Razzaq opening the bowling in recent times, this has allowed Umar Gul and Riaz to bowl 1stand 2nd respectively, providing solid backup attack. Each of the bowlers is capable of reverse swinging the ball and could well prove difficult to bat against the likes of Gul from 25th to 34th overs. In the spin department Sajeed Ajmal can fox any batsman with his doosra and has the ability to bowl at the death and in the batting power plays. Afridi allows the wrist spin variety and part timer Hafeez can do a decent job in the middle overs. Add to this the speed of Shoaib and Pakistan has a formidable attack.
Weakness:
Pakistan’s bowling can be ill-disciplined at times particularly if under pressure. Bowlers can find it hard to execute specific plans and extras can feature dominantly on a scorecard. Additionally, Pakistan lack a genuine swing bowler to take advantage of the first few over’s when the white ball can swing under lights. Pakistan will surely miss the services of Asif & Aamir in their abilities to swing the ball at start of the innings.
TACTIC: Conserve wickets at the start and rely on Afridi and Razzaq to go blitz in the final 10 overs. With reserve swing expected on the dry pitches, expect Umar Gul to bowl majority of his overs after the halfway stage.
Key Player: Misbah is the mould of Minadad or Inzaman when it comes to calmness and guiding an ODI innings. Misbah can bat according to any situation and his experience will make him the vital cog every time Pakistan bat in this world cup.
AUSTRALIA
Defending champions and the number one ranked team in ODI. Australia will prepare to defend their world cup having lost some of the elite players since their last campaign. Australia will be taking their weakest line up for the last 3 world cups, but what they lack in talent is always made up professional attitude. Success could well depend on the capabilities of senior players to carry the extra burden left by the former elite players.
Batting
Strength:
Shane Watson is in career best form and developed great mental strength to produce the goods in big matches. Although he has been in poor form, Michael Clarke’s ability to play spin bowling well in the middle order will prove vital. Australia’s disciplined batting will is also be one of its strengths; the batsmen may not be as talented as in the past but can still execute plans to ensure that the correct approach is followed. All of their batsmen have genuine strength to clear boundaries at will.
Weakness:
Michael Hussey ruled out of the world cup, Australia’s lower order batting does not have an experience finisher. Also the form of Michael Clarke and the injury concerns for Ricky Ponting puts extreme pressure on players like Cameron White and Dave Hussey. Doubts still remain on the batsmen ability to play high quality spin bowling on the turning wickets of the sub-continent. The intimidation of Gilchrist, Hayden and Symonds will definitely be missed.
Bowling
Strength:
All the quick bowlers are genuine fast, capable of reaching speeds of 145Km/h constantly. Along with the pace each of them are attacking with mindset to take wickets. The likes of Bollinger, Lee, Johnson and Tait can trouble batsmen with full length and also use the short ball as a surprise element to keep the batsmen on their toes. Teams with long tail may well be gobbled up by the pace of Australia quicks. It is also imperative this attacking bowling should be backed up by attacking fielding.
Weakness:
While other teams have come to India with 2 or 3 spinners, Australia squad contain only 1 full time spinner. This may prove decisive in the instance where the fast bowlers are ineffective and additional spinning option will be required. Like all attacking bowlers, wickets can come at a cost. Johnson and Tait can prove erratic at times and concede large amounts of extras on a given day.
TACTICS: Ever since the Simpson and Border era Australia’s mantra has always been to bat first, put the runs on the board and strangle the opposition. Regardless of conditions, expect the team to play with 3 quick’s and John Hastings with Smith and Dave Hussey to bowl spinners.
KEY MAN: Regardless of his poor form and the rise of Watson, the Australian captain still remains Australia’s best batsman. Ricky Ponting needs to have a big world cup, if Australia is to qualify to the semi-final stage.
SRI LANKA
World Cup finalists four years ago, the dual hosts will fancy their chances to go one better this time around. Importantly the core group of players remain from the World Cup in 2007, and with emerging youngsters coming along the team composition is good blend of youth and experience. Support of young talents such as Matthews, Mendis and Perrera could well decide Sri Lanka’s faith in the world cup.
Batting
Strength:
Sri Lanka probably contains the most complete no 3 and no 4 in the entire tournament. Jayawardene and Sangakarra are extremely flexible cricketers, in way they go about their innings. If needed both can start watchfully to build an innings or in contrast can counter-attack from the start. The security of Sangakarra and Jayawardena allows the openers to bat freely at the start. The addition of Samerawerra provides extra assurance in middle order in scenario if incase of early downfall of the big two. Angelo Matthews has shown that he can be a good finisher and has the muscle to match it with the best.
Weakness:
Sri Lanka batting seems extremely top heavy, and doubts hover over the batting prowess of the lower order. Likes of Perrera and Kulusekra will be batting one position higher than their preferred positions, exposing them in situations in which solid contributions may be required. Dilemma facing the Sri Lanka is that if they play 7 batsmen it leaves them a bowler short.
Bowling
Strength
Sri Lanka has been blessed with bowlers who suite the home conditions. Kulusekra and Malinga complement each other nicely, Malinga is an outswing bowler while former is an inswinger. First change bowler Perrera is a genuine wicket taker and was proved this by becoming the leading wicket taker for Sri Lanka last year. Sri Lanka then can call on the master in Murali and mystery in Mendis to bamboozle the batsmen in the middle overs. Undoubtedly the death overs from Malinga, remains the greatest strength of Sri Lanka.
Weakness:
Like all the attacking bowlers in the tournament, Malinga is vulnerable to leaking runs especially with his slingy action angling the ball into the pads. Murali may have the experience, but last couple of years he has definitely lost the sting. If Murali gets scored off easily, that may just put extra pressure on backup spinners in Herath and Mendis. If Sri Lanka decide to play 7 batsman the burden of bowling could have an effect on Angelo Matthews.
TACTIC: Sri Lanka will look to bat first on most occasions, so their spinners can come into the game in the later half. Expect Dilshan and Tharanga to weild their axes to get off to a flying start. In terms of bowling, expect Malinga to have 3 bursts – 3 at start 3 close to the 30th over and then 4 or even 5 at the end. Expect Mendis to play against the minor teams as he still remains a mystery unsolved for some teams.
Key Player: Angelo Matthews is young man who has shown he has a calm head in tense situations. Matthew’s ability to bat with tail and the capability of finishing innings, could well determine if Sri Lanka can qualify for the final.
SOUTH AFRICA:
South Africa undoubtedly has been the unluckiest team in the World Cup’s so far. Ludicrous equation, mindless run out and misinterpretation of a basic equation have halted the Proteas progress, to claim the ultimate prize in the past. Fortunes of South Africa could well depend on the players abilities to overcome each of the forgetful instances, and conquer the fear factor mentally. If world is a fair place, it’s about time South Africa deserve a bit of luck to go along with their skills to lift the world cup.
Batting
Strength:
It’s one thing to have great players in the team, but in world cup it’s essential to have form players. In Amla, Kallis and AB Devillers South Africa definitely have players at peak of their powers. Amla’s batting style suits the sub continent conditions; his back foot punches and wristy flicks are a formula for substantial runs. Kallis is most complete batsman in the team and his appetite for runs will make him the key wicket for opposition. Add the physical presence of Smith and sublime skills of Dumminy, no wonder South Africa have been pencilled in as finalists already.
Weakness:
Prominent lower order batting of the past will definitely be missed this time around. Not only is the tale stretched, the likes of Du Plees, Ingram and Petersen are inexperienced in the conditions. The exclusion of Albie Morkel may well haunt South African selection panel.
Bowling
Strength:
They have the best bowler in the world in Dale Steyn, who has pace and swing to unsettle any top order. Steyn is quick through the air and his style of bowling will not be impacted by the placid wickets. Morne Morkel complements Steyn with his height and ability to get steep bounce with his pace. Although the conditions won’t assist, the steep bounce can induce false shots from even the elite players. Tsotobe adds another dimension as a left arm bowler, while Botha and Petersen provide adequate spinning options.
Weakness:
Aside Morkel and Steyn, the backup bowling attack seems to lacking the penetration to trouble the opposition. Tsotsobe does not have the pace to generate steep bounce like Morkel making him less effective on placid wickets. Parnell can be inconsistent while Kallis is returning from side strain. Opposition teams will look to play out Steyn & Morkel taking the attack to the rest.
TACTICS: South Africa will look to Kallis and Amla to consolidate and bat through the 50 overs. This will allow Smith and DeVillers to play without restraint. Proteas will look to bat first and give opportunity to Steyn and Morkel under lights.
Key Man: Graeme Smith has underperformed over the past 12 months in one day arena and one gets the feeling he is due for some runs. Along with Kallis he is mentally the strongest cricketer in the line up. Over the years, Smith has proven his mental strength by performing in big matches. Having talked up the South African chances, expect Smith to let his batting do the talking in the later stages.
INDIA:
Under achievers four years ago, India will be eager to overcome the disappointment in their home court. Like the Spanish in soccer world cup, anything short of winning the title will be viewed as a failure. On past occasions, this immense pressure has affected even the simplest of minds, leading to poor performances in the crucial matches. If the players can overcome the expectations mentally, the batting alone is strong enough to ensure India become the first team to win world cup at home.
Batting
Strength:
On paper this batting line up is amongst the finest to have represented any nation. Experience of Tendulkar and the brutality of Sehwag, make them most dangerous opening partnership. Both are capable of taking the pressure of each other by hitting flurry of boundaries at any given time. Sehwag sizzling stroke play and Sachin shot selection will allow India to get off to rapid starts. Gambhir and Kohli are equally brilliant at manoeuvring the ball against the spin and pace. Yuvraj and Dhoni are middle order specialists with ability to accelerate an innings in boundaries and quick running between wickets. Dhoni is extremely calm and calculated, knowing when to attack and when to defend. Add Yusuf Pathan to this artillery and India will bank on chasing or setting large targets on each occasion.
Weakness:
The form of Yuvraj and Dhoni is definitely a concern leading up to the tournament. lf the form slump continues for both players, it will add extra pressure on Yusuf pathan. Given the poor form of Yuvraj, it is imperative Kohli is added to secure the op order.
Bowling
Strength:
Most important aspect of bowling is experience, Zaheer along with Nehra have plenty in these conditions. Zaheer is the cleverest bowlers around in Indian conditions; he can sum up situation quicker than most bowlers and has ability to bowl good yorkers. Harbhajan’s has resurrected his bowling in past two months, his ability to deceive batsman in the air and off the pitch making him dangerous customer. Also with the pitches likely to be conducive to spin, the variety
Weakness:
Similar to South Africa, the support for Zaheer and Harbhajan seems to be missing. The inconsistency of bowlers remains a concern, especially the fast bowlers who have the tendency to bowl one boundary ball an over. The risk of relying on part time spinners may prove decisive, especially if the wickets are extremely placid.
TACTICS: One gets the feeling if there is any dew around then India will decide to bowl first. Ideally India’s best chances will depend upon the pitches to be slow, allowing their part timers to come into the game. Expect Yuvraj or Dhoni to bat in top 4 in the preliminary games against low ranked opposition to get a necessary practice.
Key Man: Yuvraj Singh has been in international cricket for 10 years, and this world cup is his chance to fulfil his dream. Yuvraj’s brut strength and delightful timing allow him to dictate the bowling. He has shown in the past to play crucial innings and to guide the team to famous victories. India will become overwhelming favourites if Yuvraj can find his touch during the tournament.
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