Cricket World Cup: The Good, Bad and Ugly (so far)

1 Comment 14 March 2011

As we draw to the end of the group stages of the 2011 ICC cricket world cup it is worthwhile to take stock for a moment and consider which teams have shown that they either have the momentum to go far, or are merely going through the motions to an inevitable exit. From shocking upsets, to lamentably one-sided mismatches, the tournament has already thrown up a myriad of different performances, and as such it is timely to cast our eye back upon these to consider which teams poised for glory or disappointment.

With all teams having played either four or five matches, it is certainly possible to judge what I will term the ‘good’, ‘bad’ and ‘ugly’. Some of these judgments may indeed contradict the current points tables, but what must be judged is a teams overall chances based on their skill and their current form.

GOOD

1. Sri Lanka (3 wins, 1 loss, 1 NR)

An early tournament favourite, the co-hosts have shown so far that they have the necessary elements to make a real run at the cup. One slip-up against Pakistan aside, they have shown no mercy on the minnows, and looked in a commanding position against Australia before the heavens opened
Finishing position: Final

2. West Indies (3 wins, 1 loss)

The Windies have finally managed to put a string of games together where they manage to get their batting AND bowling right at the same time. Further to this, they have shown that they can perform even without their talismanic former leader Chris Gayle. Kieron Pollard’s form looks very solid, and it was pleasing to see runs from Devon Smith. Their form against South Africa looked worrying, but they have a good chance of knocking out England in the last group match.
Finishing position: Semi-Final

3. India (3 wins, 1 loss, 1 tie)

The pressure on the Indian squad must be almost unbearable, and this is slightly showing in their performances to date. I’ve included them in the ‘good’ section, primarily because of the form of Sehwag and Tendulkar. However, Dean Jones wrote an article recently that said without their spinners performing (and they are not) they would struggle to win the tournament. That said, they’ll go bloody close
Finishing position: Semi-Final

4. South Africa (3 wins, 1 loss)

Given their only loss was against ‘Jekyll & Hyde’ England, we can safely say that South Africa still have the goods to make it far. Their batting still looks a little shaky, but their bowling is magnificent, and the real ‘find’ of this cup has been Imran Tahir. They have enough quality to cover the odd bad performance and they should just continue to get better as the tournament progresses.
Finishing position: Final

5. New Zealand (4 wins, 1 loss)

I have to include NZ here, because they will make the quarters, and before the tournament that was probably highly unlikely. Their win against Pakistan was certainly impressive, as has been the form of Ross Taylor. However, other victories have all come against minnows, and it is unlikely NZ will trouble the top teams, as was shown in their inept performance against the Aussies.
Finishing position: Quarter finals

6. Ireland (1 win, 3 losses)

If you have watched any of Ireland’s games so far you’ll understand why they are included in the ‘good’ category. For a minnow, they have been particularly special. Their win against England was great, the century by O’Brien just amazing, and they looked well on their way against the Windies before a late collapse. They won’t make the quarter finals, but they have been a real highlight of this cup
Finishing position: Group Stages

BAD

1. Australia (3 wins, 1 NR)

It may seem odd to put a team who has not yet lost in this part of the list, but in all honesty Australia have been fairly ordinary. So far they have taken care of New Zealand, Kenya and Zimbabwe, and have been probably saved by the rain against Sri Lanka. At times Australia have looked dominant, particularly against New Zealand, but they have looked shaky as well, and it seems unlikely that they will be able to match it against the big boys. Mike Hussey’s inclusion will help, but Australia just no longer has enough superstars at their disposal
Finshing position: Quarter finals

2. Bangladesh (2 wins, 2 losses)

Bangladesh almost make it into the good…almost! Getting two wins so far is probably above expectations, but I have already talked of the massive caveat regarding the performance against England. What keeps them in the ‘bad’ category is their woeful performance at home against the Windies. This was a real opportunity, and given their victory against England, they could be safely into the quarters. But to get bowled out for under sixty was atrocious, and cannot be excused
Finishing position: Group stages

3. England (2 wins, 2 losses, 1 tie)

Certainly the ‘Jekyll & Hyde’ team of this cup, England have been at times amazing and at others laughable. Their victory against South Africa and the tie against India were thrilling, but they almost lost to the Netherlands, and were beaten by Bangladesh and Ireland. The players look exhausted, and they will be lucky to be a part of the quarter finals.
Finishing position: Quarter final

4. Pakistan (3 wins, 1 loss)

Ahhh…Pakistan. So predictably, all over the place. They have been brilliant at times, of course, but at others just horrid. They have some genuine match-winners such as Afridi, Razzaq and Shoaib Akhtar, but there is just so much innuendo surrounding them that it’s hard not to laugh. The latest gossip is that Umar Akmal is faking an injury to help his brother! Who knows if it is true, but whatever the case, for the sake of cricket they need to get their house in order…fast.
Finishing position: Quarter finals

UGLY

1. Zimbabwe (1 win, 3 losses)

I know it is fashionable at the moment to be appreciative of the ‘resurgence’ in Zimbabwean cricket, but I just don’t buy it. Yes, some ex-players have returned, but the team is weak, and the same disastrous management is in place thanks to the Mugabe regime. There is promise in some of their playing group, particularly Mpofu and Creamer, but Zimbabwe cricket, like the country itself, needs a big overhaul
Finishing position: Group stages

2. Canada (1 win, 4 losses)

Canada aren’t really in the sub-continent to be a big player, so perhaps placing them in ugly is harsh, but maybe it’s just that they represent so much that is wrong with this competition. I’m all for the development of these countries, but having them in this competition, which should be the ‘best of the best’ is ludicrous.
Finishing position: Group stages

3. The Netherlands (0 wins, 4 losses)

See above
Finishing position: Group stages

4. Kenya (0 wins, 5 losses)

Kenya, like Canada and the Netherlands, should not be included in this tournament, but I must say that their performance against Australia showed great courage. They have been humiliated against other teams, but it was impressive to score more than 250 against the Aussies. Good luck to Kenya in their development, and ICC please note that these teams should be given different opportunities to play against the superpowers…just not at the World Cup
Finishing position: Group stages

More World Cricket Stories

Stories

Exploring the Cricketing Legacy of Daniel Vettori

No Comments 30 January 2011

Just how good is Daniel Vettori? An ordinary cricketer or a great cricketer in an ordinary team?

Ben Roberts described Daniel Vettori as a “Good, Ordinary, Cricketer” a few weeks back. It’s now the turn of Mayank Jhaveri (who also blogs at Freehit and No Holding Back) to present the case that he is a great cricketer in an ordinary team…

New Zealand, much like South Africa, has never been known to produce quality spinners. Surprisingly, the best left-arm spinner I have seen and arguably second best ever only to Bishen Singh Bedi, comes from New Zealand. The man, Daniel Vettori is certainly a class act.

World Cricket Feature

Daniel Vettori – “A Good Ordinary Cricketer”

1 Comment 03 January 2011

Ben Roberts, WCW columnist and writer at Balanced Sports analyses the cricketer that is Daniel Vettori.

Being a Melbourne resident, my football code of choice is Australian rules. I am unsure of its original source, but in commentary on football a phrase used sometimes is to refer to a player as a “Good, Ordinary, Footballer”. While the phrase doesn’t leap out at the reader as being esteeming, it probably would mean more to most players than being called a champion.

Stories

Indian youth teach Kiwi’s a lesson

No Comments 08 December 2010

Life ain’t easy for a Kiwi cricketer these days. Gone are the times when New Zealand was a competitive ODI unit. In fact, it was only a decade ago that Stephen Fleming’s squad beat India in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy. With the likes of Nathan Astle, Chris Cairns and Adam Parore leading the way, these were heady days indeed. However, in the current ODI series against India, New Zealand are 4-0 down and have barely raised a pulse.

After an impressive test series, the Kiwi’s just haven’t been able to match it with the domineering Indians. This is a little strange as India decided to drop the majority of its top players for the series, leaving Gautam Gambhir in charge of a young squad eager to impress. Led by the experienced trio of Gambhir, Yuvraj Singh and Zaheer Kahn, the Indian team is full of exiting new talent. The likes of Virat Kohli and in the last match Yusuf Pathan, have particularly impressed with their fine stroke play and well compiled hundreds. On the bowling front Kahn, Sreesanth and the returning Ashish Nehra have all been constantly challenging, whilst there has been a welcome injection of youth with the off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. Another important aspect of this fresh Indian squad is their fielding, led by the likes of Yuvraj Singh. This squad is a window into the future of Indian cricket, as the likes of Tendulkar, Dravid and Laxman eventually make way in the coming years.

New Zealand on the other hand has been little more than dreadful. In the game overnight they at least broke through the 300 mark, but were still beaten by 5 wickets and with an over and a half to spare. The problem for the Kiwi’s is that they just don’t have any consistency. Players such as Martin Guptill, Ross Taylor and Tim Southee show that New Zealand can still produce talented cricketers, however they just don’t produce performances that are of a consistently high level. Although a fine cricketer over his career, the fact that Scott Styris (who was part of that 2000 Champions Trophy team) is still one of their top performers is a worry. Also a point of concern is the seemingly resigned attitude of skipper Daniel Vettori. Yes, being captain of New Zealand must be tough, but Vettori has to learn to show confidence and enjoyment as he leads his country. New Zealand, like their opponents must start to show that youthful and exuberant talent can perform consistently. Until that time they will continue to beaten by sides such as India.

With the World Cup just around the corner it will be interesting to see whether India stick with these young players or revert to those who have performed for them over so many years. My feeling is that they must invest in this youth, and that if they do they will see great dividends. New Zealand is also at an important juncture. Although its new talent does not hold as much promise, it is still important that they give them a fair go in the side leading up to the Cup. Perhaps if they do this then there will be a smile on Dan Vettori’s face after all.

More World Cricket Stories