ICC World Cup 2011 - SWOT Analysis : ENGLAND

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   The team thats going *goo goo gaa gaa* over everything at the moment (well thats not exactly a new feature). Current T20 champions of the world and the team holding "The Ashes", wow! By current achievements they are undoubtedly a force to reckon with.

World Cup Squad: Andrew Strauss©(capt), James Anderson, Ian Bell, Tim Bresnan, Stuart Broad, Paul Collingwood, Eoin Morgan, Kevin Pietersen, Matt Prior(wk), Ajmal Shahzad, Graeme Swann, James Tredwell, Jonathan Trott, Luke Wright, Michael Yardy 

    First look at the team and they have gone in with Swann and Yardy to do the job and Tredwell who really is not even par with the boys who bowl spin in the maidaans of Mumbai. No Adil Rashid here, no Samit Patel, if I may add Monty Panesar either. C'mon!! the world cup is in the sub-continent, as if they had nothing between their ears. The wicket-keeper's slot has been given to Matt Prior and no back-up which means Davies and Kieswetter get the axe. Which just makes no sense to me, with Prior's inability to play in slow, low tracks as we have witnessed earlier. But, the coach Andy Flower who once one of the best players of spin (in any condition) and a WK himself has backed Prior with the duty. Remember, "Coach knows best". So, lets leave it there. In the batting department most slots were taken on merit but, in a tournament as long and hectic such as the World Cup there is no real bench strength to this England batting. More on this as we proceed.

Strengths:

• The team is on a absolute high at the moment. Ask them to fight against the Spartans, heck they'd think they can do anything and pull it off.
• Swann should be able to bowl 10 tight in the spin friendly conditions and reap rewards.
• Eoin the Morganator. Period. Is there a better finisher in the game today?

Weakness:

• Absence of a genuine opener shows that Luke Wright is most likely to open the batting with capt. Strauss or maybe Prior will be given the role. Will this move really click?
• Yardy is alright in small bursts but, Tredwell, KP who ever gets to bowl the onus is on the opposition to lose it from here.

Opportunities:

• Perhaps, one last opportunity for Paul Collingwood to do what most Englishmen have failed.
• Seam trio of Anderson, Broad, Bresnan would like to prove that they can perform and deliver even in sub-continent conditions.
• Ian Bell, his midas touch during the Ashes will give him a chance to make a strong shout for a permanent role in the ODI team. Are you reading this, Jonathan Trott?

Threats:

• No real threat to this England team. As I said they could fight the Spartans, Hercules and Zeus together thinking they can beat them.
• Choosing XI from this squad of XV shows they have the men for the job. But, what in case there are set backs, injuries or complete loss of form(which the English are renowned for).

   England have not been the best tourists to the sub-continent. 'Co-host' India, 'home for most Englishmen' South Africa, 'you never know which' West Indies, the 'not such a push over' Bangladesh, and their 'not very friendly neighbours' Ireland, Netherlands  are in the same group, four of whom will proceed. The competition is right up there, if they can keep Swanny, KP, Jimmy and their "Twitter" accounts in check, you never know this team might just be the history in the making. Winner takes all!!!

ICC World T20 - Semi Finals Preview

Alas, the semi-finals are here. Australia, England, Pakistan and Sri Lanka the final four surviving teams. Here on, the loser doesn't get another shot at the title. No more depending on results from other games. Every man for himself, rather every team must now win. The line-up suggests Sri Lanka take on England in the first of the two semi-finals and "defending champs", Pakistan face off against Australia in the other encounter.


 England Vs Sri Lanka


    Poms have looked very strong and only bad weather has resulted their only loss in this tournament. Form of KP, finishers in Morgan & Wright, seamers, spinners they have had it all. If there was a run the Poms ever dreamed of it would not be better than this. Facing Lnaka will be a sigh of relief for them. They need to crack the top-order early and apply pressure on the inexperienced and naive Sri Lankan line-up. Malinga-Mendis will have to be negotiated. Should play Mendis positively and as late as possible. With the Ashes still a while from now, we could have a T20 treat if the two teams Aus and Eng make it through. England clearly have the upper-hand in this encounter.

   Lankans have fought hard and made it to the semi-finals once again. The semis being played in St. Lucia will give them some high. But, they are still struggling with Jayasurya's form with the bat. Batting still depends on Sangakkara, Dilshan and Jayawardene. They have dont well till now(not all at once) and would like to carry on for two more games. Malinga was been used by S'kkara in one over spells against India. Not sure if that is effective enough. Sure he got the breakthrus but, as a batsmen if Malinga goes off after bowling 6 balls I'm more than relieved. King Kumar might have to think on those terms. Mendis most likely to play against the Poms, as they haven't seen much of him. As always the islanders should give a tough fight to any opposition and on their day triumph.

Australia Vs Pakistan


   Ozzies clearly ahead of the rest as far as form is concerned. Coming into the semis crushing every opponent by huge margins, Aussies would like to continue the juggernaut. Already faced Pakistan once in the competition, the Aussies were cruising at 10 r.p.o. until the last over where Aamir bowled the WWWW0W  over. Nevertheless, Aus had a huge total and pushed aside any hope from the Pakis of an upset victory. The Aussie bowling attack probably the most feared at the moment. Dirty Dirk + Sloon + Itchy Mitch + Twatto and spin from SPD Smith, Pup and DJ. Batting looks top notch as well, even White Bear and Mr. Cricket have bailed out the team when Twatto, Warner, Pup, DJ miss the bullet. Champion stuff!

   But, Aus will not take the defending champs lightly. No team will take Pakistan on basis of current form. They are one unpredictable side and lift their game when one least expects them to. Boom Boom Afridi the capt. in charge, leads the team on his own terms and conditions. He will take any steps that are required to win a game (read "even take a bite"). Batting however hasn't been their strength of late. Looks brittle, but with the Akmal bros., Butt, Misbah, Boom Boom, Hafeez, Razzaq  there is some depth. Bowling has been the key, Ajmal Aamir leading the attack, Hafeez, Boom Boom and Razzaq/anyone who can roll his arm. But like Deccan Chargers did in IPL3 the defending champs mite just bite the dust in the semis. Or will they?

ICC World T20 - Super 8 Group E preview

When the top 8 teams are the ones playing the super 8 games expect, fire crackers! It's top-notch at its top-notch best. Very difficult to choose right now. When I say, Kiwis the only team unbeaten in this group that says it all. With bad weather and two gentlemen, Mr. Duck-worthless and Mr. Lew-ass one has to be brave and call out predictions. So, here is the Group E for you.

Pakistan - *Defending Champions*

Carrying the burden of being the best team in T20's. Losing finalists in '07 and one big step in '09. Undoubtedly expectations are high, so far have played on expected lines. They tend to be slow starters (lost to Ind in 07 & Eng in 09 in grp stage).
But, this is where Pakistan lifts their game and probably takes it to ionosphere. The Super 8's. Team has looked mixed so far. Kamran Akmal opening not my ideal choice same for Hafeez playing at crucial 1-down(no.3). Umar Akmal yet to live to expectations. Razzaq, Md. Asif left out!

Wah say, "Not this time folks." No.3 finish

New Zealand - *Kiwi Fresh*

The one team who is unaware of their own potential. Smooth sailing so far, beat Lankans in a closely fought group match. Baz Mc'Kill-em yet to fire since the aus-kiwi game(IPL included). Bro Nathan Mc'Kill-em can't seem to put a foot wrong. Bond has been getting the stick treatment too long.
With Jesse back, Rosco, Baz+Bro, Guptill, Scotty 2 hotty, Oram, Dan the man team looks good.. might give Poms a run for their money. But, the black caps wont be favorites to go the distance.

Wah say, "Bottoms-up" No. 4 finish

South Africa - *Chokers*

Not fair to call them chockers already, the side looks good but, depending on Big Jake(Kallis) for too long will hurt them. Not used spin as their weapon unlike other teams. Struggled to keep India low in their first game will want to send some strong signals to potential rivals.
Langeveldt hasn't been played.. Albie Morkel is way past his fake-prime, thats 4 overs of buffet bowling to the opposition. Gibbs warming the benches as Bosman takes all the Loot!

Wah say, "Still have time to choke"  No.1 finish

England - *Pretty Poms*

Potential "Dark Horses" this year no matter how fair Stewy Broad or Eoin Morgan are. Eoin Morgan the "Deshdrohi" of the west. Rain has played bigger part than cricket has in England coming in to the super 8's.
Most likely that will continue and the Poms will be singing "Rain, Rain go away..".

Wah say, "English is a funny language."  No. 2 finish

IPL 3.0 Royally Challenged Bangalore

Royals Challengers Bengalooru ,owned by none other than Dr.Mallya was a much hyped team during the first edition of IPL and they went down begging.There were talks that their team was more of a 'Test' team rather than 20-20. None of them really clicked in that edition which really irked Mallya.There were some problems in their management and the coaches were replaced . Dravid stepped down from captaincy and the Jumbo took up the challenge.The only good thing about them in the first edition was their cheer group. They were the underdogs in the second edition but they proved they weren't. They were the runners-up in the second edition. They surely made Mallya one the happiest men 0n the planet. This time also they are looking really good.I am sure the team managers are gonna have a hell of a time finalizing the playing XI. They have bought Eoin Morgan , whos the shining star for the Poms at the moment. With aggressive batting and excellent fielding , he is surely to be watched out for in this edition.

SQUAD:

Anil Kumble (Captain),Kevin Pietersen,Rahul Dravid,Jesse Ryder,Virat Kohli,Ross Taylor,Cameron White,Jacques Kallis,Manish Pandey,Robin Uthappa,Wasim Jaffer,Eoin Morgan,Mark Boucher (WK),Roelof van der Merwe,Dillon Du Preez,Dale Steyn,Ashok Menaria,Sunil Joshi,K P Appanna,J ArunKumar,Devraj Patil (WK),B Akhil,Bharat Chipli,Tinu Yohanan,Saurav Bendekar,Gaurav Dhiman,Jitendra Patil,Udit Patel,Rohit Sabharwal (WK),Ishank Jaggi,Rajesh Bishnoi,Raju,Bhatkal,Gautam.C.M,Kedar Jadhav,Mithun.A,Karan Sharma,Aravind S,Bhuvanesh Kumar
Praveen Kumar,Vinay Kumar,Pankaj Singh,Suteesh R,Srivats Goswami (WK)

STRENGTHS:

They have definete match winners in their side who can win the game single handedly.Their local players are doing good too. So its gonna be interesting watching them play.Kumble being their captain is surely their strength.

WEAKNESS:

They had some communication problems in the first edition and they did not coordinate together . It looked like it was all sorted out last time . So, I don't see any weakness anymore.

WATCH OUT FOR : Robin Uthappa's last chance to prove himself to the Indian selectors. Manish Pandey would try to create some magic too. Ross Taylor, though entering only during the later half, would be a great boost . *Eoin Morgan* Period! Dale Steyn who ripped apart the Indian batting in the test series is sure to have a go at the oppositions this time . Cameron White is having the time of his life.

WAH's XI:

• Robin Uthappa*
• Manish Pandey
• Rahul Dravid
• Jaques Kallis
• Virat Kohli
• Eoin Morgan
• Van De Merwe
• Goswami*
  
• Praveen Kumar
• Anil Kumble©
• Dale Steyn

WAH'S SAY : This team looks really really strong. Very difficult to pick a definite xi, excellent bench strength. Goswami may don the gloves or Robin and Rosco/White could play. Not to forget KP! *wow* If they have a little bit of luck factor going their way , its gonna rain beer @ Bengalooru : Cheers!

Quick Updates: Pakistan Vs England T20 #1

After losing to their respective 'A' teams , it was time for the battle of losers, I mean, Pakistan Vs England at the newly constructed cricket stadium at Dubai. There were hardly any spectators at the ground. In fact,even a gully cricket in India would fetch more spectators. So, Malik won the toss and without any hesitations,opted to bat .
The attacking,aggressive pair(its a joke :)) for Pak, Imran Nazir and Imran Farhat opened the innings. Nazir was in his own world, wonder what was going on his mind then. He perished after scoring a mammoth 2(15). Pakistan were 20 odd for the loss of 2 wickets at the end of powerplay . Quite a score. Wickets kept falling regularly . Malik and Razzaq tried to resurrect the innings but in vain. Pakis managed to score a mere 129 runs . Malik top scored with 33 runs.
England opened with Denly and Trott who got out cheaply . Colly gave company to them in the pavilion after 5 mins. Morgan and KP( finally!!) steered Poms to an easy victory.
Peitersen was finding his lost touch , whereas Morgan sent all guns blazing. Am sure, VJ Mallya was watching him . Eoin Morgan is proving to be an awesome find for the Poms with his aggressive batting down the order and excellent fielding. Looks like KP found his form. Good for Bengalooru Royal Challengers. Morgan was, undoubtedly , the man of the match for his aggressive 67(51).












P.S - Boom Boom returns next match :)

English Stripped & More on the IPL

Just about a week left to go, all set for the 3rd players’ auction for the 3rd season of the Indian Premier League. The IPL committee has finalised a list of 51 players set to be available during the auction. Firstly, the English players have failed to get the NOC or the No Objection Certificate from the ECB due to which we will not see the likes of Eoin Morgan, Luke Wright, Jimmy Anderson, Stuart Broad etc etc in action. The final list has some interesting names (not just “names”) like Doug Bollinger, Damien Martyn, Wayne Parnell, Kieron Pollard, Lou Vincent, Shane Bond & bunch of Pakistanis - Aamer, Afridi, Umar Akmal, Razzaq, Nazir, Rana Naved Ul Hasan. Of course the list does have quite a few hopefuls from all over the globe and a few lesser known cricketers like Rizwan Cheema from Canada.

Steve’s Pick:

Doug Bollinger – Hot! Should be picked.
Brad Haddin – NOT! Are you surprised we mentioned him?
Kieron Pollard – Definite Hot!!!
Sulieman Benn – Not! Enuf spinners in Ind.( Benn should be happy that we put him under spinner's category)
Shane Bond – Hot! Expecting bid wars here.
Jason Krejza – Not. See Benn.
Wayne Parnell – Hot! Smart choice.(Hottest)
Daren Ganga – Not. New teams will arrive in 2011. No need for captains now!
Rana Naved Ul Hasan – good wit bat & ball.. Hot!
Nuwan Zoysa – how does he make it to this list everytime!! NOT!!!!
Umar Akmal – Exciting cricketer so.. Hot!
Nathan McCullum – Not.
Imran Nazir – Hot.
Darren Bravo – Not.
Shahid BoOm BOom Afridi – HOT!!
Grant Elliot – HOTTTTT.. just kidding, Not. :-)
Damien Martyn – Hot, Hopefully.
Wavell Hinds – Does he still exist in the cricket arena?Not.

Some Serious Maybe’s
Lou Vincent – Lots of experience.. comes in the Dam Martyn category. Shud come cheap as well.
Justin Kemp – can hit big.
Yusuf Abdulla – based on prev IPL performance.
Upul Tharanga – Recent form!
Shakib Al Hassan – Shud be! But, won’t be.
Rizwan Cheema – Who?
Thisara Perera – Chennai Super Kings have a habit.. So, it cud be him this time.
Ramnaresh Sarwan – Well, he’s good enough.
Kemar Roach – if u r planning to hurt ur opposition.
Adam Vogues & Ashley Noffke – Cos they’r Australian!
Chanaka Welegedara – an outside chance.

That’s that. No one else needs a mention here.. Let us know where u disagree with us. IPL, its time for WAR!