http://wwwc1.cricinfo.com/iccct2006/content/story/261323.html - some stats
The last tournament held about two years ago was played in England and the finalist were England and West Indies with the West Indians being the tournament champions.
Since then, especially in recent times a lot has happened. My analysis on who are the favourites;
Australia - will always be the favouries but are definetly as strong as they were before. Mcgrath back from injury would be crucial for their sucess but playing in India it will depend on the other australian bowlers. Who have not performed to their potential and seem to be there weakness. Also numerous middle order batting collaspses have happened through a series of run-outs and silly shots. This is also another hinderance. With absence of Gilchrist Australia will need to play at their best to ensure victory. Ponting and Hussey have been oustanding and are the players to look at for.
Bangladesh- have drastically improved over time and the win over Australia will never be forgotten. Players like Mohamed Ashraful and Moshrafe Mortaza if they perform, then maybe a few upsets are on there way especially against teams like Sri Lanka, West Indies and England.
England - led by flintoff, numerous injuries + a poor record in recent ODI matches will mean this side will struggle, lack of experience and lack of discipline in bowling will mean that they will need luck to play like how they did in 2004. Trescothick will me missed. Flintoff and Bell should be looked at carefully.
India - Found a new coach, sacked ganguly and seem to have got rid of a lot internal problems. Still their bowling needs to improve and the recent DLF cup tournament showed this. A lot of depth in this team, thanks to the experimenting of Chappell and with return of Tendulkar, playing at home are certain favourties. Again india seem to lack discipline in bowling, Pathan in particular will be crucial.Yuvraj is back wasincredible form at home, but India still lack finishing. PLayers to look at for Tendulkar and Dhoni.
New Zealand - In ODIs seem to play relatively well. The return of Bond of will be vital. Not too much to comment here, except they have good chane of wining. Look out for Bond and Styris.
Pakistan - Are in a whole heap of problems at the moment. inzi is out, and younis khan refuses to be captain. But their recent form in ODIs has been very good, a good all round team. Will also have a strong chance of winnin the tournament. Look at for Mohamed Asif and Younis Khan - who has excellent record against the indians.
South Africa - have put together a strong and solid side. Led by smith, their record in India in ODIs has been little dissappointing. But with Gibbs being able to play the batting looks very strong and dippenaar in blistering form. watch out for Pollock and Gibbs.
Sri Lanka - A real test to whether they be in gud chance for the world cup or not. PLayed brillaintly in Australia but struggled in India in the ODIs. Murali will play apart against teams tat tradiotionall are poor against spin, but others will need to step up. Look out for Jaywardene and Sangakarra
West Indies - Well the recent series DLF Cup showed, they had similar problems with India in finishing. But also the team seems to lack depth in batting and too much reliance on gayle, chanderpaul and lara. Their bowling looks good and with gayle's off-spin its well balanced. If gayle and chanderpaul continue their form and the finishin is improved upon defintely the West Indies can put on a performance as they did in 2004. look out for Gayle and Chanderpaul.
1st Match - India v England - India to win
2nd Match - New Zealand v South Africa - hmm.. i am going to say NZ
3rd Match - Pakistan v TBC - whoever Pakistan to win
4th Match - Australia v TBC - again Australia to win
5th Match - New Zealand v TBC - NZ to win just
6th Match - Australia v England - Australia to win
7th Match - South Africa v TBC - really dont understand thisnow lol SA to win
8th Match - New Zealand v Pakistan - Pakistan to win
9th Match - India v TBC - india to win
10th Match - Pakistan v South Africa - Pakistan to win
11th Match - England v TBC - TBC to win
12th Match - India v Australia - Australia to win
