ICC Cricket World Cup

By Big Joe

Commences Saturday 19th February.

The showpiece of the ODI format kicks off on Saturday on the sub continent. Here is my take on the contenders.

Both New Zealand and West Indies have match winning individuals that can change the course of games, but as a team unit they are outclassed in this tournament and I expect both to struggle. One or both may even fall prey to a giant killing by one of the minnows in the first phase of matches.

England, after winning the Twenty20 world cup and the Ashes will be looking to continue their major successes, however they will be alarmed at their post Ashes performance in the 6-1 drubbing in the ODI series at the hands of Australia. Their chances are further hindered by a string of injuries to bowlers and, crucially, the absence of Oin Morgan. England lost their last series in India 5-0 and I expect them again to struggle on these slower pitches.

South Africa, the perennial under achievers in major tournaments, once again look strong on paper. A strong batting lineup, but on these pitches their main strike pace bowlers will not get much assistance and once again the lack of a class top notch spinner could be their demise.

Australia, looking for a fourth successive world cup triumph, can never be written off. They bounced back in style after the ashes to dominate England in the ODI series that followed. However, prior to that, they lost the home series to Sri Lanka and are proving a bit inconsistent. They will be boosted by the return of skipper Ricky Ponting after injury but will miss the experienced Mike Hussey in the middle order. I expect Australia to reach the semi finals, but, just like South Africa, the lack of a world class spinner could see them fall at that hurdle.

Sri Lanka will be confident of doing well in home conditions. They have the batting and decent spin options to take advantage on these pitches and they should at least reach semi finals.

Pakistan have had a traumatic period both on and off the pitch, but have pedigree in big events. They will have been boosted by an emphatic series win away to New Zealand and will be grateful to be back playing on sub continent pitches after nearly 3 years. They have the batting and especially a balanced bowling attack that could see them progress into the final.

India are the pre tournament favourites, and rightly so in my opinion. They go from strength to strength in all formats and have an irresistible batting lineup that will adore the home conditions. On these home pitches they have won 11 of their last 13 ODI games and have posted some very big scores. I believe they are a class above any other team and fully expect them to reach the final and lift the coveted trophy.

On the betting front I will be playing a host of markets and my suggested bets are:

In The Outright Market

BACK India to win for 5 points @ 4.0 Paddy Power, Bluesq, 888sport.

BACK Pakistan to win for 2 points @ 10.0 Bwin.

In The “Name the finalists” Market

BACK an India/Pakistan final for 1 point @ 17.0 Bet365, Betfred, Coral, Paddy Power.

In The Tournament Top Batsman Market

BACK Virender Sehwag for 1 point @ 17.0 Boylesports, Betfred, Bluesq, Stan James.

In The Tournament Top Bowler Market

BACK Umar Gul for 1 point @ 26.0 Corals.

Big Joe