Just had the first day of cricket in the Caribbean in lead up to World cup 2007. This round of warm up games should also provide a sense of how the minnows match up against the big nations. The first signs are that we are in for some records in the first round of this World cup, be it for the largest totals or for the smallest totals or for the largest margins of victory.
Surprisingly, none of the three big teams (England, Sri Lanka and South Africa) scored big, suggesting some rustiness. South Africa were made to work the hardest after staring down the barrel at one stage at 92-8. However, Hall saved them the blushes and helped bat out the 50 overs to reach a score of 192. And Ireland fought courageously for the major part of the chase before crumbling. Is this a sign of some weakness for South Africa? I don't think so. I guess they were probably caught a bit unaware but I am sure they will be fine when the actual tournament gets underway. In fact, I guess this would have been a good wake up call for them to get their act together.
England got what they needed from the game. I was a bit surprised Strauss didn't play. I still think he has a key role to play for England and he needs to be restored back to the top of the order as soon as possible. KP got some valuable runs, which is good and so did Dalrymple. Vaughan needs to do more but at least he lasted the game! The bowlers ran through the Bermuda lineup but does that mean anything? Only time will tell.
Sri Lanka's single disappointment would be the lack of runs from Mahela again. I am sure they would have wanted Mahela to score a few runs here. They definitely need their skipper in good form to have a chance of winning the tournament. The openers got some runs and the bowlers got a decent work out too. So, thats as good as it gets in there practice games.
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2 comments:
Thanks for linking my blog Vinod.
For all the noise made about how the minnows should not be in this WC, I think they will play spoiler for atleast one non minnow team.
Ireland pushed South Africa and Kenya put up a good show against the West Indies.
And what can u can about Dwayne Leverock!!!!
yeah impressive performance from the policeman Laverock indeed, no mean task to get Pieterson stumped.
I guess I totally missed the Kenya-WI game. Good to see Samuels put aside the bookie issues and score a century.
I really hope the minnows don't play spoilers and the top eight teams do indeed make it to the super 8's for the sake of the game.
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