When I started writing about this world cup I did not previewed teams in any order, I just wrote. Other than Windies, normally I will not support any team. I want good game of cricket without any controversies. Any team that plays well needs to be appreciated.
Home favourite :
For me the current Australian team is not as strong as previous world cup teams but they are playing in their home which gives them ample energy. Whether Clarke plays or not, Aussies still have good batting line up in Warner, Smith, Maxwell etc.. Almost all of their batsmen are in good form and whole Australia believes that they will deliver. In bowling , I think Starc will play an important role along with speedy Johnson. In the recently concluded tri-series Starc produced some of the best bowling in ODI recently by an Australian bowler. I believe that they can reach semi-finals.
England:
One team that bored me when they played ODI in the past was England. They never had a good ODI team but the current team looks bit better than the last world cup squad. ECB did a good job in replacing Cook with Morgan. Morgan suites better than old fashioned Cook. Their batting depends heavily on Morgan,Root and Moen Ali. These three scores runs in a brisk pace but one man I think who needs to anchor the English batting line up should be Ian Bell. If Bell scores the rest will score. The superstar of this team is undoubtedly James Anderson. He is a wonderful bowler and he knew Aussie conditions better .Bowling looks good with Broad supporting Anderson.
Pakistan:
Along with West Indies, Pakistan is one of most unpredictable team. The first match against India is very crucial for both teams specially for Pakistan. Same like Windies they don't have consistency in any departments, in fact that makes Pakistan an outside contender for the cup. They can upset any team on their day. So its unwise to bet against Pakistan.
Srilanka:
The ever green Sangakkara and Jayawardne makes this team a team to watch. Their fielding is their strength. The presence of Angelo Mathews in the middle order is a gift .One of the best middle order ODI batsman in recent years. Their concern is their bowling. I always love they way Lankans play their game. They always give their best. I think they will reach semis.
Minnows:
As usual there will be one or two upset victory by these teams but I do not think that any of these teams will reach semis. But they have some wonderful players in Tamim Iqbal, Zakib and Kevin O'Brien.
Players to watch:
| Group A | Group B |
| Australia | India |
| Bangladesh | Pakistan |
| England | South Africa |
| New Zealand | West Indies |
| Srilanka | Zimbabwe |
| Afganistan | Ireland |
| Scotland | UAE |
Of course I will watch all the matches but matches mentioned below are must watch:
Date
|
Teams
|
| Feb 14 | New Zealand Vs Srilanka |
| Feb 15 | India Vs Pakistan |
| Feb 20 | New Zealand Vs England |
| Feb 21 | West Indies Vs Pakistan |
| Feb 22 | India Vs South Africa |
| Feb 27 | West Indies Vs South Africa |
| Feb 28 | New Zealand Vs Australia |
| March 01 | Srilanka Vs England |
| March 06 | India Vs West Indies |
| March 07 | South Africa Vs Pakistan |
| March 08 | Australia Vs Srilanka |
All West Indies matches are MUST ...!!
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