A Cup and the World chase

The time has ticked which has begun the 10^th edition of the Cricket World cup. The teams’ representing each continent has gathered together in the Indian subcontinent to mark their superiority. And to add spice to recipe, none of the team is said ‘favorites’ to win title. The at par teams will compete each other for the 41 day long event and one amongst them would be crowned the title of “World Champions” for the next four years.

Let’s run through each probable favorites.

Australia

Since they have won it for 4 times including a hattrick, no one can discard them from being favorites even after a recent dip. They have a staggering pace attack with Bret Lee at his extreme best, Tait and Bolinger with an able support and Johnson as a perfect allrounder. Shane Watson has proved his abilities and needs no separate mention in the list of quality players. Only if their batters get together and put up a decent show, I believe the Aussies have a fair enough chance.

India

Everything is at stake for the Indian players during this edition. Add to it the home conditions and the pressure from media and crowds, the expectations of every Indian and the Farewell to Sachin Tendulkar. The talk of Sachin getting hundred in the Finals at Wankhede has been talk with audacity. In the recent past and since the failure in the previous occasion in Caribbean, the Indian has shun its tag from chockers to winners, thanks to the flamboyant Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and his techniques to lead a bunch of exceptional cricketers. Only if Zaheer and his mates in fast bowling come together to put an outstanding show, the Indian fairytale can come close to the most important of all the titles.

South Africa

The Africa’s have a carried the tag of favourites since their entry into the event back in 1992, but have always failed to jump over and across at the important juncture and have eluded the glory. With two good spinners in side and a prolific batting lineup, this team would go long into the tournament.

Srilanka

The home conditions and the huge fan support have been the positives for Srilanka in whatever type of cricket they play. Add to it the most versatile team consisting of gutsy batsmen, aggressive bowlers and some electric quick fielders, the combination would make an upset for sure.

England

The recent peak in form and the Ashes triumph have made the Bristishers appear respectful their ancestral teams. The performance is deep routed in the camaraderie between the players and deep desire to come out of trouble times. They are most likely a team to go distance, if their batters fare well on the viciously turning sub-continental pitches.

West Indies, Bangladesh, New Zealand

They form an important group of teams as they are more than capable of haunting the cup chasers with an upset. The results against these teams would make or break a championship seeker. If at all they conquer each of the probable then the World cup would spice it up during the closing hours.