The World Cup build up
Can England end the wait?
England, the nation which introduced the game to the world, are yet to bag the most coveted cricket trophy. A look at the Eoin Morgan-led unit for the 2015 edition.
When it’s about choking at World Cups, it’s always about South Africa. But England’s record at this mega event tells a different story. Three time finalists (1979, 1987, 1992) and add to it the two semi-final exits in 1975 and 1983. They may not have choked but never went on to perform exceptionally well at the mega event.
The nation which introduced the game to the world has failed to win the most coveted championship even once. Cut to present. England go Down Under with a young and inexperienced team.
They have left out Alastair Cook after giving him an extended run to prove his worth in ODIs. But he failed, scoring only 523 runs in 20 matches at an average of 27.52. He did not score a single century in 2014, his highest score being 56
Australia eye home glory
World Cup and Australia if said in the same breath make more sense. Don’t they? Four World Cups, five finals is not a feat achieved overnight. A dominating, very dominating run makes such figures happen.
With the tournament visiting their country after a gap of 13 years, the Australians would like to get back to business – winning the Cup after the disappointment in the sub-continent. The side is balanced, bases covered but the cloud of confusion blurs the view.
Bailey? Smith? That is something we will know in the coming weeks, but let’s first throw some light at how Australia fared in the year gone by.
Day 1
New Zealand vs Sri Lanka: Result – New Zealand win
Hosts New Zealand are expected to dominate Sri Lanka in all three aspects of the game. The Brendon McCullum-led unit are all bases covered and have perfect blend of caution and aggression in their ranks. Not suggesting that Sri Lanka are an inferior side, but early in the tournament the Lions might find it difficult in the breezy and swinging New Zealand conditions.
Australia vs England: Result – Australia win
If the recent results and Australia’s form is taken into account, the Kangaroos will tame the Three Lions in the World Cup opener. Bailey and Co. have a fearsome bowling attack backed by some very effective batsmen. With David Warner and Aaron Finch at the top and the likes of Shane Watson and Steve Smith in the middle, the hosts are set to pose some serious threat in home conditions.
