Quest of the Poms

Pre-Tournament predictions have become a necessary point of discussion before the start of any major tournament of any sport, be it by the fans or the experts. If a random follower of Cricket were asked to predict the semi-final line-up before any World Cup, the three names he or she would be sure to take are those of India, Australia and South Africa with the final spot being left for Sri Lanka or Pakistan. In most of the World Cups, it has been likewise.

England and New Zealand, though, are not given priority during predictions even having impressed in World Cups, for the simple reason that they have not been able to establish themselves as dominant forces in either forms of the game. It is ironical that England, who have made it to more finals than any of the sub-continent teams are often sidelined when it comes to such predictions.

However, recent shows put up by the Poms have forced the change of thoughts. It would be sheer foolishness on the part of the other ‘Big’ Nations to take them lightly. As the defending champions of the T20 Championship and with a recent thumping of old enemies Australia in the Ashes, they might well be the surprise package of this edition.

The ODIs Down Under may have been a forgettable expedition for the Englishmen, but the 6-1 score line did more to boost the hopes of the Baggy Greens rather than hamper that of the English themselves. The orthodox fan may have eliminated England before the start of the Cup, but the fiasco in Pakistan, the jittery form of the Aussies and the demolition of New Zealand in back-to-back series might give England a psychological edge with a potential quarter final clash against any of the three teams.

The fact that the tournament is being hosted by the sub-continent adds to India’s chances of reaching the final when most of the fans have already placed them there following their recent exploits. Australia and South Africa may be backed by most to make it to the final with India, but it shall not be surprising to see the Poms taking to the field in Mumbai on the day of the Final. At least this time round, the fans CAN expect an open World Cup.