Congratulations to Australia, the world champions

Congratulations to Australia....they did it yet again. Its really amazing how Australia has managed to be the best for such a long time. Three world cups in a row is quite an achievement.


I wanted to see a new world champion this time....just because it was getting so boring. I wanted to see some competition at the top. But then if they can play such wonderful cricket, they should continue right up there.

An interview with Robin Singh

I remember Robin Singh as one of the most dedicated Indian cricket player. Here is an interesting interview of this Indian cricket hero on Rediff. I am quoting a part of the dialog here.

Which teams do you think have a fair chance of winning this World Cup?

As I said, there're so many strong sides in this World Cup, that it's really hard to predict the eventual winner. Besides, it's too early right now to hazard a guess! But I think India has a good chance, as always. Of course, there are better and more equipped teams in this tournament.

What makes you say India has a good chance of winning?

Well, we've a very balanced side. The combined experience of all the members of Team India is simply mind-boggling, just like Australia's. We've the batsmen and bowlers to play the kind of cricket you need to play in an event like the World Cup.

Whats International cricket for Imran Nazir?

Quite an interesting start to the world cup, isn’t it? The result was as expected but a few things in the middle were not. Though Pakistan bowled well, West Indies made a very good come back showing that they have taken their lesson from the collapse in the warm-up matches. But you still can’t trust that batting line up; they sort of get hypnotized and launch into a suicide mission at times. I hope not to see one of those in this tournament as I personally would love to see them lift the cup- if India doesn’t.

Now about the Pakistan innings, openers are killing them. Imran Nazir plays the way we play gully cricket in India. The kids just go out there playing a 10 over match and throw their bat at whatever they see. But no, wait, even the kids in gully cricket do it more carefully. Pakistan has been having opening problems for a long time. They need openers that can play sensibly. Is it really that difficult for a Nazir to understand that? He came in, hit a handsome six and made himself look like a hero and next ball he said bye bye. Its not about talent, its about attitude.

Pakistan’s biggest strength for this world cup is their middle order. It didn’t look very good in this match though. They attempted a rescue mission but fell short. This middle order is the most precious asset that Pakistan holds and if they don’t play to their potential, Pakistan’s chances of making it to the semis look slim.

Sabina Park

Thats where the first match between Pakistan and host West Indies will be played. Speculations are on and every kind of opinions are pouring in. Where Pakistan's injury depleted team looks innocuous, West Indies showcased a range of its weaknesses in the warm-up match against India. Its a tough call now. But this match will sure set the tone for the world cup. I believe West Indies has the edge here. Its their backyard and they have the players to do it. All they need is some sensible approach. Good luck to both teams.

Inzamam has no plans to retire

Pakistan captain Inzamam Ul-Haq has made it clear that he has no plans of retiring now.

“I intend to continue playing till I feel that my performance is good for the team. I believe there is never any deadline for a player (to retire) especially if there is any cricket left in him.- Inzamam

He is a fine batsman and there is no reason for him to retire now. I would love to watch him play for a few more years.

Here is the full story on The News of Pakistan.

Shahid Afridi

Read an interesting interview of Shahid Afridi just before the first match in the world cup.

Is it difficult for you to then adjust to be more patient?
Not actually. Batsmen like myself, [Virender] Sehwag, [Adam] Gilchrist, [Sanath] Jayasuriya, [Nathan] Astle, play our own way and if we click then on our day we can beat any team and can make big runs.

Which are the batsmen you've enjoyed watching?
I like to watch Sehwag: he can make or break things within moments. [Mahendra Singh] Dhoni's open style of batting is attractive. Then there is [Brian] Lara, [Sachin] Tendulkar, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Gilchirst - players who play in an open way.

Afridi is not playing in the next two matches as he is in the middle of a four match ban.

Read the full interview here.

'The South Africans are my personal favourites' - Bob Woolmer

Pakistan's coach Bob Woolmer says in this article in cricinfo that the South Africans are his personal favorites. I am not very sure if this comment will go down very well with the Pakistani cricket fans.