Inside Cricket February 2015

Well, these quadrennial cycles seem to be accelerating. Is it really eight years since Gilly slaughtered Sri Lanka? Forty years since one-day cricket’s Big Bang? Twenty-three since Australia and New Zealand last saw a World Cup on their soil? Say what you like about the 50-over game and its World Cup – its history has been amazing. Cricket’s already-fertile lore was enriched immeasurably the moment that first ball was bowled in 1975. It is the place where cricketing nations all get together, and the same subjects are discussed in a multitude of accents, in Aussie pubs, Indian bazaars or at Trinidad and Tobago’s carnival. Akram, Garner or McGrath? Murali or Warne? Did Waugh really say that? Who authored the locus classicus of World Cup batting lore? Viv or Gilly? Or…

In 1992, the South African cricket team, re-invited into the fold via the World Cup, left their shores with Mandela’s words ringing in their ears: “Sport is the only thing that unites people.” This man who'd lived for social action and experienced its results had wearily concluded that the only force for positive change was the catalysing power of sport. For South Africa to make an immediate, indelible stamp, victory, especially a world championship of any sport, carrying as it does a symbolic heft beyond that of any other area of endeavour, was required. South Africa have been a cricket power ever since, but still haven’t won that World Cup, and this year’s tournament is laden with more significance for them than for just about anyone else. The World Cup…

AUSTRALIA Winners: 1987, 1999, 2003, 2007 Runners-up: 1975, 1996 They have major artillery, they’re at home, they don’t need to worry about spinning conditions that have caused recent headaches, and they’ve had a great lead-up, enabling them to hone their individual skills and play together. The larger squad enjoys unprecedented unity. Competition for spots is healthy, and in terms of fast bowling, very little will upset the balance. Cummins comes in seamlessly for Harris. Starc and Hazlewood have provided another summer of surprises. Overall, their one-day form is on an upward curve. They faltered in South Africa, began to find themselves in the UAE (underlining just what a different game it is from Test cricket) and fought well to win the return bout against South Africa at home. The team’s…

BANGLADESH A vastly improved side, as their recent 5-0 clean-sweep over Zimbabwe demonstrated. Bangladeshis are a talented and enthusiastic lot, and make the most of few international opportunities. They’re probably the best of the minnows. If any of these sides is capable of making it beyond the pool stage, it’s them. Shakib Al Hasan is the fifth-ranked ODI bowler, alongside Mitch Johnson, and an exciting all-rounder who also bowls penetrating left-arm orthodox. He’s also third in the ODI all-rounder rankings. Captain Mashrafe Mortaza has also soared up the rankings, and Arafat Sunny is fast-improving. Left-arm spinner Taijul Islam has proved a match-winner. Wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim has been getting handy runs, and Mahmudullah Riyad has been specialising in getting good not-out scores of late. SQUAD: Mashrafe Mortaza (capt), Shakib Al Hasan…

I think Australia will win this World Cup, for three good reasons: Playing at home is a very good advantage. With the home ground advantage the Aussies are deserved favourites. They have a good build up with the tri-series against two very good sides in India and England. They have good individual players, and a blend of players to choose from. However, a number of teams are worth keeping an eye on. South Africa are definitely one to watch. They’re simply world-class with bat or ball. With a batting line-up consisting of De Villiers, Du Plessis, De Kock, Amla and company, they have the ability to mount a huge total if they bat first, or run down one if they are chasing. Add Steyn, Morkel and Philander and you have…

I think this tournament is Australia’s to win. They have the strongest squad and the days of teams not winning at home are gone. India showed that in 2011. Their strength can be seen from who will eventually miss out. Ryan Harris (who would have been in my squad), Nathan Lyon and Cam White are three that come to mind. If Clarke plays after game two, Bailey might go from captaining to carrying drinks! And one of Starc, Hazelwood and Cummins will miss out. All make any other team. Australia are dynamic throughout. They have real firepower, with Warner up front, Maxwell, Faulkner and Marsh talented, genuine all-rounders and Johnson and company with the ball. I can’t see a weakness besides the lack of a potent spinner. Keep an eye…