Are you not entertained?
There are times when the ICC seems to have about as many supporters as a 66-1 rag in a Newton Abbot
And right now, it could do with the services of Max Clifford to get some positive vibes spinning across the airwaves.
After the weekend media savaged the international game’s ruling body for the way it handled the , attention is finally turning, albeit slowly, to the ICC Champions Trophy.
So, first of all, this question needs to be answered - what, exactly, is the Champions Trophy?
The cynical answer is this: to keep its umpires, match referees, anti-corruption officials and various other employees paid, the ICC needs to raise funds.
And while the World Cup is still its biggest money-spinner, the comes round twice as often, and the television revenue garnered from it also comes the ICC’s way.
It would be unfair to say players are unilaterally reluctant to take part.
And, in defence of the ICC, a large amount of the money raised goes towards raising cricket’s profile in developing nations.
But there were some instances during the tournament two years ago in England, played in a spell of bitterly cold weather, when some of the teams did not look in the best of fettle.
Australia will travel to India in the next few days as favourites.
No surprise there, but it does rankle a bit with Ricky Ponting that there are no Champions Trophies in Team Australia’s trophy cabinet after four such events.
To win this tournament, you cannot afford a slip-up or a slow start and home advantage counts for a lot.
It gave Sri Lanka a share of the Trophy with India in 2002 when rain in Colombo prevented the final being played.
And it put England into the final two years ago despite some thoroughly tepid form from Michael Vaughan’s men either side of the tournament.
Whether or not India win this time, I expect a big showing from .
Many were wondering whether the great man was past his best during an unedifying performance against England at the start of the year.
But afforded the luxury of a six-month rest while he checked himself in for shoulder surgery, he has emerged from his cocoon with his plumage refreshed.
After some sparkling innings in England for charity side Lashings, he re-entered the international arena with a century against West Indies in Malaysia.
On Monday, he swatted India’s reserve bowlers to all parts in a practice match in Madras [Chennai].
He smacked 139 off 100 balls and one of his 20 fours (he also hit four sixes) included possibly the first ever example of a reverse lap intentionally lofted over the head of the man at gully.
I have had a small wager on him to be the tournament's top scorer.
In the next few days we will launch an in-depth guide to the teams and venues, profiles of the key players to watch and a look at the prospects for defending champions West Indies.
There will also be a piece by South African journalist Neil Manthorp on Herschelle Gibbs' return to India, plus a look at how Indians view the tournament.
So... what are your own predictions? Please let me know.
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Why doesn't the ICC turn the ICC trophy into a 20Twenty tournament? Surely you would make as much money plus to cost to the host nation would be less. You could also hold it in countries other than test playing.
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well i think pakistan have good chance still because they don't have inzi. pakistan
most expirence player well younis khan will be good leader four pakistan also i think srilanka played well in england they beat 5-0 so i think srilanka v austraila or pakistan austrila. lest' s see i'm right
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Glad Tendulkar's back to form - and hitting more sixes than ever before, it seems.
However, he's definitely not the first man to reverse lap intentionally over gully - I remember Gordon Greenidge being the first one I saw doing it during that MCC Bicentenary game (1988?) and plenty more have tried it since (although I suspect Tendulkar did it with a certain aplomb).
In fact, if I remember rightly, Greenidge played the normal reverse sweep for four, so a gully was brought in to stop the next one - so he hit it over his head.
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Some of the fuss could be avoided if the ICC were to have the sense to put the Champions Trophy in odd years so that it cannot coincide with the World Cup. Having the two in the same winter season has been universally condemned by everyone except the ICC!
For England it is an opportunity. We can give a few of the walking wounded some match practice without anyone worrying too much about the results (we aren't expected to qualify from our group anyway) and the tournament can be seen as a small extension of the Ashes warm-up. For some of the other sides though this tournament must seem like a singularly pointless exercise. Australia would be "overjoyed" if they were to lose Brett Lee or Glenn McGrath injured in what, for them, are some pretty meaningless matches.
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The Champions Trophy is a good concept and could succeed if the ICC start managing it properly. The problem with this tornament is the timing. It is ridiculous to hold it with the world cup only a couple of months away. The tournament should be held at at least a year before the big event. This would give it more importance for both players and fans.
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Those of us lucky enough to see England beat Australia @ edgbaston in the semi final of the last ICC (fund raiser) it was marvellous.
To see the erstwhile great Glen McGrath carted for 4 boundaries in an over by Tresco and then return under the members stand grumbling and shouting at himself. Then to cap it all Brett Lee had similar treatment from Vaughan (admittedly after a shaky start). He also moned and became upset and frustrated and England pushed on to victory with Strauss in at 4.
It was as Fletcher says in his book a significant event. It was the first time many believed we could win the ashes.
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I can't wait for the ICC Championship to kick off. Just the thought of the Indian team winning it gets me jumping for joy but not only that, all the world's best players getting together to play in a tournament like this is sensational. Then the World Cup early next year - could it get any better than this? Of course, if India win both tournaments! Come on Rahul and the boys!
Nayan, Leicester, UK
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As an India fan I hope Oliver is right and Sachin shows his class. I think the aussies and England seem to be using this tournament as a Ashes warm up, so I think one of the sub-continent countries will win it. Get in there India!!
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I really do fell the indians will put on a show infront of a huge mouth watering indian crowd..for many years now they have underachieved on the big stage and not winning a world cup or champions trophy since the 1980's is something that needs to be addressed..and now in there own back gardens surely the trophies coming home SWEET ±«Óătv..
P.s Come on India
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I am a retired pom, living in Malaysia. I am an avid cricket fan, but will not be watching this one. Cricket here is a pay for view sport from the local satellite broadcaster. I was able to watch the entire Ashes series last year for the equivalent of 14 pounds. For the ICC Trophy, the cost is almost 50 pounds!
This, to me, is an attempt at blatant racketeering by the ICC which neither I nor none of my Malaysian friends will support.If the ICC wants to promote cricket in countries like Malaysia, they should offer TV coverage at a price which is affordable.
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I think Pakistan will win the series as they have the worlds best bowling attack. they have big hitters in Razzak and Afridi who can change the course of the game in a matter of overs. i would love to see Pakistan thrashing Australia in the final.
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i realy think england or bangladesh gne win the champiansh the worl cup england gne win and the england vs austrlia england gne win
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It's a big oppourtunity for the teams to know their strength's and weaknesses before the world cup .
And being an optimist i would like to say that it's a good oppourtunity for teams like bangladesh and zimbabwe to play against strong teams.
It will help their cause.
But it's very tiering for india and other stronger teams as they are having very bussy shedule before the world cup.But they can also gain by resting some of their impotant players during the tournament and giving oppourtunity to their young guns to show their skills.
My favourite for the tournament is srilanka .As we know Indian conditions help the spinners they have got the best spin attack in the world with Murlidhran leading the attack . In the batting department they have Sanath,Mahela,
Sangakara .
Indian team has also a good chance as they are playing in their home condition but the kind of form in which they are in betting on Indian team is not good.
I think ICC will gain more money than the world cup .As this tournament is being organized in a country which is mad about crickret.
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This ICC Champions trophy will certainly be highly competitive and keenly watched as all teams will be looking to test themselves and see where they are before the World Cup next year. Australia, Pakistan & India would be the pick of the 3 teams I see at the end, where being biased I will say Pakistan to win!
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I think its Sri-Lanka or Australia. Sri-Lanka has been playing really well in recent times and I am certain they will continue to carry the good form into the Champions Trophy.
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I agree that this is a money spinning exercise by the ICC, but I also feel that multiple teams tournaments make for more fun for the viewers. One might indulge in following certain teams, or certain individuals, and there's loads of good articles written by cricket writers for the netsurfers, and it is a general feast for the eyes with teams in coloured clothing.
Individual head to head contests of five or seven matches tend to fail in capturing people's imaginations and end up being farces towards the end after big buildups. On the other hand, these kind of tournaments tend to build momentum and keeps us watching.
I think, less of head to heads, and more of these!
Ambu, Cardiff
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i am personally really looking forward to the Champions Trophy, as it gives us a little taster as to what the Word Cup will be like. So for those (like me) who can't wait for the World Cup, here's a chance to watch some of the best players in the world, without having to stress (too much, there will be some for the most avid cricket fan (i.e. me))
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Correction, sachin has scored 139 off 100 balls
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Oliver,
Regarding your comments about Tendulkar (Oct 3, '06)
"But afforded the luxury of a six-month rest while he checked himself in for shoulder surgery, he has re-merged from his cocoon with his plumage refreshed."
Eh? Coccon...plumage? Eh?
Confused, Cheltenham
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Looking forward to some exciting cricket - Indian crowds should be good, meaning that the teams will want to play decent cricket - hoping that Pakistan can put the last couple of months behind them and come out with all guns blazing. I think the big 3 will be there or thereabouts - Australia, India and Pakistan, can the Windies, England or South Africa challenge will be interesting to find out. All in all a good build up to World Cup 2007 and a chance to assess the teams strengths and weaknesses. I personally think its a good thing being close to the World Cup, as any mediocrity or poor performances now would give the coaches time to refine and improve thus pitting strong teams against each other in the World Cup. As Bob Woolmer says, one dayers are a lottery, but I hope Pakistan have bought the winning ticket.
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The world cup is few months away and this cup will tell whom to watch at the next years world cup.So I see either Sri Lanka ,Australia ,West Indies or India walking away with the trophy.The Pooteas stand a little chance .Watch out for Muttiah Muralitharan ,Shane Warne and India's Tendulkar
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I think Bangladesh will win the champions trophy as they have fine quality and have the ability to take on both australia and pakistan
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I really dont undertsand the point of having champions trophy when the world cup is right around the corner.
But even so, i think australia and the home team are the obvious favorites for the final. Pakistan should put up a good fight considering thier all rounders are capable of putting big scores on good batting tracks. Key players to watch out for: Shahid Afridi ofcourse, shoaib malik, M. Asif, Tendulkar, hussey, Gayle and harbhajan singh.
Thanks and Good luck all!
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I'm reading all the comments and there was not one mention of the West Indies team. I think they are dangerous and they are the defending champions. I'm sure that no one expected them to win two years ago. If the team that demolished India in the caribbean shows up and with Lara looking in good form anything is possible.
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India will be happy to see tendulkar back in action. I can definitely bet my money on Sachin to be a top scorer in the tournaments ahead. However, at this point, I'd like to see him carry India through in winning the much awaiting World cup, doesn't matter if he can't end up being a number one run scorer. Its high time he burdens this additional reponsibility, especially in BIG games.
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I like the idea of the ICC Champions Trophy but what I do not like for this years event is the Format. With 4 teams having to go through a qualifying group with the top 2 teams to get into the main event these two sides by the end of the group stages will have played 6 matches when the others will have only played 3 matches. This is unfair and unjust of the ICC. Why did the ICC make the format of two groups of 5 teams rather than two groups of 4 teams.
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HI,
I think S.Lanka is favourite. I really thinks that Australia's golden period is over and it is the team of Past. India and Pakistan can do good but they shuffeled there batting a lot recently which is causing a low confidence in there batting strength. I think the team who will bat second has more chance to win......
Good luck to all teams
Waseem
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Thanks for all your comments. One or two individual replies coming up now>>
1) Nally - the ICC has already thought about a Twenty20 tournament, and the first one will be in South Africa next year
2) Antony - Thank you for the spot on Tendulkar's balls faced - am about to correct it
3) Interesting to see a couple of people talking up Bangladesh. I feel, however, they need an awful lot of luck to get through the qualification round. Good luck to them, because the cricket world could use a competitive Bangladesh side.
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well yes the home advantage does play a role but when u r facing bowlers of the calibre of mcgrath, brett lee and others it is only performance that matters and the team that plays the best definetly has the upper hand..
and yes like all indians i too will like to see the old sachin reincarnated... in his new form as a decimator....
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Aussies are the favourites, as usual. Unless one of the teams(India, Pak, SL) from sub continent plays exceptional cricket, Ricky Ponting is going to lift the trophy on 5th of November.
Happy watching!!!
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West Indies have got a ggood team, on their day they can beat anyone just like Pakistan. The favourite tag on any team is not important as anyone can win a one day international match on their day. thats why we call it one day, which means the team that turns up on the day and plays well will win. Watch out for west indies legend lara and pakistan legend naved ul hassan ul rana.
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I simply think that the ICC needs to make the Champions Trophy bigger and better because the number of participating teams is a bit too small, but at least if they could cancel out the qualifying games and increase tams in a group so that we as supporters are assured of plenty of cricket to watch.
Zimbabwean True Supporter
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i think the champions trophy is important, in building confidence towards the world cup, and for teams to try out some combinations and strategies before the world cup. i think tendulkar could be one of the stars as you say, but dont discount the likes of ponting, jayasuriya and afridi. as too who will win it im not sure, i feel its between the india, pakistan, australia and sri lanka, if i had to pick 1 i would say pakistan to beat australia in the final
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I am looking forward to the Champions Trophy, not least for the fact I have tickets for the England India match in Jaipur. Our household is a divided one at this time with my husband cheering for England, my children routing for their countrymen, the Windies, yet us all living in India!!! Let's hope it is a good series!!
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I think its finally time when Aussies break the jinx. They are peaking just at the right time.
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I was interested in placing abet on top tournament batsman. Which bookie laid you odds oliver?
Regards
Freddie
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I cant wait for the cricket to begin as i think Shahid Afridi is FIT!!!!
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I put my money on South Africa...I think the AFRICAN SAFARI would be enjoyed to the fullest in this CHAMPIONS TROPHY.
Especially after that successful chase of 434 against Australia the SA team has not lost the touch...Probably the only team which is capable of defeating Australians based on current form....
Only SACHIN can stop SA from doing this...In case the two teams come head to head SMITH and SACHIN would be key players who would determine the result of the match.
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This is going to be a very exciting tournament with tendulkar coming back to his best and australia and sri lanka also in very good form but i think pakistan are going to shine they are gonna out all the bad press behind them and emmerge victorious they long over due a tournament win!!
The ICC definatley need to have this tournament either side of the world cup to keep us going in between the major tournament its time they got their act together!!!
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Pakistan Team
Imran Farhat
Mohammed Hafeez
Shoiab Malik
Younis khan
Mohammed Yousuf
Shahid Afridi
Abdul Razzaq
Kamran Akmal
Naved Hasan
Shoiab Akhatar
Mohammed Asif
WE GONNA WIN THE ICC CHAMPIONS TROPHY!!!
I think Pakistan Beat Aus/South Africa in Final.
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I think South Africa will win the tournament as they have a good line up. Second favourites for me are Sr Lanka because they are in good touch with Jayasutiya back. Im pretty sure the champions trophy curse on Australia will stay!
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now what am i going to do ?
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With the ICC Championship around the corner, the sun still shining in England and Freddie Flintoff appointed as skipper, it looks like this is England's chance to prove that they are now a mighty force in the ODI arena before they move on to cream the aussies on their home soil!
With Monty Panesar, aka the Harbhajan Singh of England, on our side in the subcontinent, it would be a crime to rule England out. We might be the underdogs but it is in a month's time when I will be saying to people "I told you so!"
A lot of countries may come close but it will be the Barmy Army of England that will be singing "Come on England! Come on England!" After all, the 11 players that take to the pitch will be wearing 3 lions on their shirt with pride!
I know they can do it. The whole nation knows they can do it and most importantly the players know they can do it! So there's only one thing left to say:
COME ON ENGLAND!!!
Zaina Quli Ritzvi, Birmingham, UK
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I agree with daniel, Bangledesh have an amazing squad and i think they have the potential to be the best team in the world. they are superb, much better than Pakistan.
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I think that the upcoming tournament may will be one of the best yet. The holders West Indies aren't having a good time of it but can turn it on with the likes of Gayle and Lara. England are out of sorts in one day cricket despite the one day come back against Pakistan but everytime there is pressure, the current England team seem to be thrive on it. And these are the two teams that are not even mentioned in the list of potential winners. I can't see Pakistan losing much one day cricket with the side they posess but England showed a weakness in their armour when they had to set a target instead of chasing it, maybe this will be their downfall. India have home advantage which does count for a lot but they also have the players. Tendulkar is back to prove a point and Dravid is solid as a rock hence his nickname. Even South Africa posess the firepower to rip a bowling attack apart with the likes of Kemp and Pollack hitting hard down the order. That leaves only one team and that's Australia. How will the favourites of everything they enter fair this year. My advice and instinct is to stick clear of them because their one day side even though it is very good is changed on a regular basis. But no wait I have saved Sri Lanka till last because my tip will be for Murali and his boys to come good. Tom Moody has inserted a never say die attitude into their cricket once again after Dav Whatmore did it so successfully. I believe they have the players and if Murali can bowl as well as we know he can they will be the surprise package this year. I might even have a bet on them myself.
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CHAMPIONS TROPHY, I must say this event has gone down well with viewers who eagerly await this knockout tournament.
It gives a sneak preview to the fact as to who are best contenders for the World Cup.
Its like mini World Cup and the best part is that all teams seem to take it seriously which means they compete hard.
As it involves all the test playing nation it attracts more intreast unlike a tri-series which are of intreast to not lot many.
I agree to the coment made by others that it has to be mid way of the world cup and not a few months or a year apart.
As for prediction I think as always, wining team is going to be a surprise team , which means it would not be INDIA or Australia. ENJOY! PEACE !
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I think mike atherton should come out of retirement and play on till his 60's because he's dead fit
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Bond to be player of the trophy, more than likely I would think.
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India have no chance, they are mentally weak and rely too much on sachin. As an india fan i hope they win but the odds are stacked against them. The indian bowlers are too weak and the fielding is very poor. I dont understand after so many years of cricket, they have not produced a really fast bowler.
India need help before the WC
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This is a reply to Jo Whiffen
We were interested in what you said in your comment. Would you mind if we contacted you via e-mail to ask you a bit more about the rival supporters you have at home?
(We have your e-mail on fiel - don't post it publicly here!)
Thanks
Oliver (±«Óătv)
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I personally india in their own back yard must be sure favorites. Aus also look in good knick after the recent malaysia tour
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Oliver, at least spell Newton Abbot correctly!
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the home advantage is so high, especially when you are playing in India. You can see this by the way England struggled with the conditions in thier last tour. It would be nice to see some new players emerge and some unexpected teams to do well. It will increase the prospect for future events and good for the game of cricket.
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It' a total waste of time.
It would be much better to bundle this together with some other meaninless tournamants and play a world cup at least every two years.
And make sure it is spread around the cricketing globe.
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I reckon Tendulkar will really do well and i think New Zealand and South Africa will be dangerous darkhorses!!!
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They say put your money where your mouth is,i put all that im worth on the Aussies,these guys are pretty good and no-doubt they have the best player Ponting,i have respect for this short player.He leads his team well,places the ball in spaces for the boundary and has a good field plan.Food for thought there's however a few loopholes in the squad but with a few days to get to the field of play,there is room to iron out different scales.
After watching these guys play in South Africa,I HAVE ABSOLUTELY NO DOUBT they will reign champions.
Whats your voice???
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The report on Sachin Tendulkar was excellent,of all the batsman i have seen,he stands out to me ,he will never argue with the umpire or be flambuyont like Lara,During his difficult time,he just kept his cool,when his critics tore to shreds,i am so happy that he has come back with a bang,i did"nt know that you are his fan as well ,yes i am definetly going to put some dosh on him as well.
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Pakistan to win in style.
England to crawl to some sort of unjustified respectability, which is not surprising given that they still have no ODI strategy
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They call this the mini-World Cup??
Any cricket lover will enjoy a tournament like this whether this is a few months before the World Cup or a year before.
A wise man once said, "life is a game of cricket".
I reckon, India will have a tough time pleasing its demanding crowd, a home team has just enough advantage as disadvantage.
The pitches are normally flat there so it going to be a belter. With scores of at least 300 plus!
Pakistan will be missing out on the mighty Inzi, can the new inform captain save the day?
Sril-lanka is going to count on Murli to spin some majic on generally turning pitiches in india.
Australia is clearly the most formidable team with every successful component required in a team. However one dayers is a funny thing, you can't afford to slack a bit.
England, with injuries to key players is likely to miss out on their full potential.
South Africa, has a tough preliminary group and will have something to prove.
West indies, with lara, anything is possible, but the downfall of a team starts when you start relying on just one person all the time. Defending the title will not be hard.
New Zealand, Stephen and his team will be relying on all engines firing.
May the best team win!!
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ICC champions Trophy is about to commence in the few days. Pakistan team is certainly affected by the ouster of Inzimam but still they can do well if play with their potential. The biggest problem faced by them is their opening slots wherein no player has performed well in the last few years. I think for this very tournament it would be wise to try out Afridi with Hafeez in the openning slots. The wickets in India would definitely suit Afridi and his style of play and if he did will, Pakistan has a definite chance to win the trophy. Moreover, Pakistan should play aggressively instead of playing with a defensive stragtegy. This is an area where they can put their opposition on the back foot and getting triumphant.
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I think that their should be a seperate league for gay people because the ICC do not give enough chances to the gay community.
P.S. Come on Bangladesh, we love you
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In theory, the Champions Trophy is almost a better version of the World Cup - assuming Pakistan and West Indies get through the qualification, it will be a tournament between all eight heavyweight sides, with no minnows. That should guarantee better quality of games. Also the fact that there is no margin for error should add to the intensity - there will be no meaningless matches. Add to that the fact that any team could beat any other on their day, and I think it could be hugely exciting. I don't know who'll win, but I predict Pakistan, Sri Lanka, England and West Indies for the semi finals.
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Yes...great to see our Sachin back in form! Cannot wait for him to smash the English all over the park and teach them how to play cricket! Will be good fun no doubt! Still got to see Aussies as favourites for this title but India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka all dangerous on these flat wickets!
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Where do I buy world cup ticket?
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The West Indies are going to win the Champions Trophy again.
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everybody seems to have forgotten the west indies,,,with a top order consisting of the very destructive gayle, sarwan, chanders,,,and not to mention d greatest of them all bc lara ! sachin at his best can never ever compare to the greatest batsman ever to have graced the game, he still remains the one batsman who can single handedly win a game at any time against any opposition under any condidtions. Most dangerous when he's out to proove a point, maybe it would be to show he is the best even in Sachin's backyard ! go defending champs go ! go windies go !
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Tendulkar will surely be at the centre-stage as far as the Indians are concerned. But, remember, players like Sehwag, Dhoni, Yuvaraj and Pathan are known to specially flourish on the subcontinental pitches. Besides, they have had a better outing than Tendulkar in the previous matches played inside India and Pakistan. So, the focus can shift away from Tendulkar in a dramatic style, if one or two of them start having things go their own way.
It's surprising the Australians will be under pressure to score their first ever CT win. They haven't had any until now, which is highly amazing!
England will also be closely watched after their ODI revival against Pakistan. So, will the Sri Lankans and WI be as they have had some great ODI tourneys back in the recent times. SA are always a dangerous side to watch as an opponent. No doubt CT is going to raise the cricketing fever just prior to the mega start of WC07.
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pakisatan r gna win da trophy hopefully luk at our team unluky inzy it wil b hard!!!!
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I agree with Oliver. As i have watched Monday challenger cup match. I strongly believe sachin is going to trash the bowlers to every corner of the ground, Inshallah. The litttle master has finally found his touch. But I am not sure of India winning this cup.
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Hello everyone,
whereas everybody is talking about the top teams in the Champions Trophy, i wanna point out some of the worst teams in the champions trophy.
1. The worst team in the champions trophy has to be zimbabwe. (There should be no doubt in anyone's one mind about this)
2. Next worst team is Bangladesh.
3. New Zealand comes next.
4. England.
5. West Indies
6. India
7. Sri Lanka
The top three teams are Australia, South Africa, and Pakistan.
let me know what u guys think.
take care all
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I think India will win the tournement with excellent batting line up and there feliding has improved so much over the years! go India.
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We hear a lot about this trophy shouldn't be held and doesn't have much of a purpose. However, for a team like England in my view is the best chance to get them a chance to check out their squad and apply the final touchings before the main event in the Carribean. Moreover, for players like Sachin Tendulkar, it is a chance to slam the critics and prove a point.
As a whole all teams will have a chance to have a final look at each other before the battle commences in 2007. I'm up for it!
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I think that India have a really good chance to win this tournament. Mainly because the Little Matser is back alive and kicking in the side and secondly it is in their back yard which will be a huge factor as India's fan will add depth to their game.
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The 20-20 tournament may hamper the importance of the test levels which is still the highest from of cricket and should be, I don't think many will argue that. But, yes it should continue but not at the same lelve as ODI's. It attracts huge number of crowds, may be one or two matches in a tour series will do. Organising 20-20 events for non test playing coutires is a good option.
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darrell hair and asian cricketers sernario has to stop will the icc do anything about this?firstly it was murali reacently its inzamam and his team next could be the indian cricket, we all know darrell hair is sticking to his guns, but for how long,there should be a full stop for all these very soon.
peacedood
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I think Australia and Pakistan are the two teams who have a real chance of winning. Other teams such as India dont look too good to wining this event because you cannot expect one man to play for the entire team ( sachin for India).
Australia and Pakistan have the most well balanced teams. Good luck to all teams.
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sure it is a big game to all the onday-playing nations,but I wounder if India can use thier greatness and tallent to make it thier big trophy before the worldcap, it is going to be excellent to see them playing against Pakistani and kick thier ases,,,,,,,
Roman afghanistan....
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sorry to say bt england have no chance...as an indian me support defo goes to india. And luk who's back 'THE GOD' in the cricket religion.Certainly lukin forward to how our bowling attck is gonna battered by other teams. Austalia is not goin to win this one as well.
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I HAVE MY DOUBTS ABOUT ICC CHAMPIONS TROPHY. IT IS MORE OF MONEY MAKING THAT REAL COMPITATION. ABOUT TENDULKAR SCORING RUNS IN TROPHY, I THINK HE PAST HIS BEST YEARS, SHOULD HAVE RETIRED LONG BACK, IN MALASIA WHERE HE SCORED CENTURY INDIA STILL LOST, AND IN THE CRUNCH MATCH AGAINST AUST.HE DID NOT CLICK, SO IT HAS BEEN LAST 5 YEARS THAT HE IS SCORING NOW AND THEN BUT NOT THE WINNING ININGS.
I AM SORRY BUT INDIAN CRICKETERS AND POLITIAN NEVER RETIRE
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I am an Indian. I think that India will reach the final, in fits and starts. Then, we will lose.
It is unpatriotic of me - but realistic, I feel.
A lot of young careers will stall or be stifled.
We will have fingers pointing here, there and everywhere. The problem is that Team India is still a myth. It has got two of the greatest Indian (probably World) batsmen ever. Its bowling and fielding has improved.
The real crux is, we are not an aggressive people. It shows in our approach to sports too! Regrettable (in some matters, at least!) - but, true...
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Gotta love Danniel Yakiah for his comments - although not him directly.
But is ahre his sentiments
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That would be lots of Fun for Cricket lovers like me.
My only entertainment right now (as the winter is coming in US) is reading/watching Cricket.
Thanks for your new Columns.
While I would like to see INDIA win the trophy I have other thoughts.
Looking at strengths on paper Australia should win it, but hey its Cricket…
So my bet is one of these teams will win it.
Srilanka/Australia/India.
Pakistan would have been in the list if Injy had been playing and India is in the list because both Tendulkar and Pathan seem to be getting better and better and even other batsmen are very good on home conditions. Lot depends on how they bowl.
Well, if your prediction that Sachin would top score the tournament, India will win the cup because now the batting is lot better and if you get better starts on top they would score heavily.
No matter who wins, its another Cricket Feast ……
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has to be either Australia, India, Sri Lanka or Pakistan....England can sure play gud but at da moment i wudnt say dey r da finished product, vll probably b lukin at da world cup 4 england to mount a serious challenge. Australia can flop big tyms n india da conditions arent perfect 4 dem down dere but cumon lets nt make ne excuses. India gt a bigg home advantage but hey evry teams gt 11 players so lets nt get carried away... Sri Lanka r n great form smashin records all ova n talkin abt records if theres 1 team whu can make abt 50 runs n da last 2-3 overs, id put ma money on pakistan...wen dey hit boy dey hit all ova da place...promising 2 b a gud tournament awreadi...LET THE TOURNAMENT BEGIN!!!
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In India Cricket ground is worshiping place and cricketers are worshiped there.
Indian love the game of cricket. They like to challenge the strongest team ( Australia, pakistan , England may be south Africa ).
There is no doubt in my mind that best team ( INDIA ) will win.
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Careful analysis says New Zealand are a great bet at 12-1. Shane Bond fully fit gives them genuine pace. Vettori world class spin. Oram quality all rounder. Throw in destructive batsmen like Astle and Styris. Possibly the second best wicketkeeper batsman in the world in McCullum and the worlds best captain in Fleming. Can go all the way like previously. Seem to have overcome aura of playing against Australia - see last performance chasing down nearly 350! and fear absolutely no one else. Mark my words. NZ
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everyone who is saying sachin is playing amazing should look at the calibre of bowlers he is facing in the challenger series. he will be nothing against the like of Bret lee, Shoaib etc
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It is time my native Australia decorated their trophy cabinet with the elusive ICC Champions trophy.
They have had a terrific build up (including boot camp), which should have them fresher and stronger than ever.
I know each side has a potential match winner and I look forward to watching all of them in action with DVD highlights packages, hard to resist. I simply feel the Aussies have a few extra match winners that will provide the depth to get them through this tournament and lay the foundations for what should be (we all hope), an exhilarating Ashes series.
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I actually think New Zealand could prove to be the surprise side of the tournament. It looks like we a 100% fit side (I understand Styris is OK now) for the first time since I can remember. We probably have the longest tail of any of the teams, with people clearing the ropes right down to 10 and 11. In Stephen Flemming and Lou Vincent we actually have a fairly settled pair of openers (most other sides still don't know their opening pair).
Then there is the Shane Bond factor, who with an ODI bowling average of 18 and those lethal inswinging yorkers can be even more dangerous than Brett Lee. With the support of Oram and Mills and our slower bowling options in Vettori, Patel, Styris and even Astle our attack can be effective in any conditions.
If our batting can come off (we need big tournaments from Astle and Marshall who can be excellent), then I don't see why we can't win!
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Champions Trophy - yes, we do not have one, but eventually will get around to it; however at this point in time it will be used as a far more important event, preparation for November 23rd.
Nor do I doubt the other contender, in November, will see it differently. A loss in the Champions Trophy for either would not be seen in that context at all.
About Monty - I have the feeling all the Australian fans are immensely curious to see the man play, and give him that oppertunity. All the hype about crowd abuse is more pre match psychology than fact hopefully.
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As England is suffering from injuries an they obviously don'nt like turning wickets,Australia has never done well in champions trophy ,but still are champions.Teams like India and Pakistan are unpredictable,Rrilanka and South- Africa are good teams.So champions trophy is very open any of these teams can win .
So let us not single out one team .
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There is already a international 20twenty scheduled which take place within the next two years so all formats will be kept, i feel the ICC champions trophy is a good way to practice for the world cup especially as it is so close together. this will hopefully give us some indication of players to look out for, i hope someone else wins the world cup this year as it would be extremely dull if Australia win it again.
i hope we see the best from Sachin 'GOD' Tendulkar and brian Lara as it probably will be the last world cup for Lara especially. if there is anyone else who may wi it; i would look for last tournaments runners up INDIA or south africa and a team that is never really considered: New Zealand.they have so much depth in there batting and a good bowling outfit, which would be very good if Bond is available.Especially lead by one of the modern games best captain.
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Well, we all know what england are like. We will probably be playing at the top of our game then lose to India or Sri Lanka. Especially as we are missing some key players.
Im looking forward to the Ashes
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I expect South Africa to have a mighty chance to drive back home with the cup. Let's not forget that in the recent ODIs against India in India they played some supreme cricket. The hosts then were on a cruise in the ODIs. Aus., on the other hand, were defeated by WIndies in the DFL cup and almost defeated by India. I would come up with the following order of chances for victory (from most to least): SA, Aus, Ind=Pak(3rd), others.
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I wouldn't go against your wager of Tendulkar top scoring!!
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I think Tendulkar will be the top scorer in this tournament, inspite of that I do not see India winning. Australia remain firm favourites with West indies the dark horse provided they qualify. Pakistan has the capability and have an imaginative leader in Younis Khan, but they are more fickle than the weather. Sri Lanka can be a handful too, I predict the semi finalists would be Australia, India, Pakistan and Srilanka or West Indies. Spinners will play an important role on these tracks. I can't see England( not withstanding Panesar) and Newzealand go too far or even South Africa; in hot humid conditions and slow and low tracs.
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i think this tournment will be exiciting becuse many team austrlia pakistan westindies india england and srilanka are in full fom so we expcet very exciting cricket to watch we hop batter team should win
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As you have said Sachin will score a lot of runs. I would love to see him do his best against australia since he hasnt done that lately. India have a chance since its at home. I would defenetely put my money on sachin as compared to poting or lara. Lara's abnormal backlift bothers me a bit as he gets out lbw a lot. ponting has not been doing well since what i think is a change in his bat which was banned by ICC. (Kookaburra beast) the same bat that he used to score 170+ against SA in that 400+ runs game. But then again there are guys like Dhoni, Hussey, Afridi and Gibbs who can smash the ball around quite a bit. it might as well be one of their tournaments!
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How is food enough to predict winner such a tournament? and for that matter for the highest run scorer since this is a knock out tournament! Except may be Dhoni wont be the highets wicket taker with the ball!
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Im a pakistan fan and id love for them to win but i dont think its going to happen. Theyre sooooo unpredictable its not even funny. on their day they thrash the opponents upside down in the head. other days, they simply implode.
For the Semi Finals i see India, Sri Lanka, Australia and South Africa. Maybe Pakistan if Shoaib Akhtar manages so stay injury free.
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pakistan team when i chose that is
s.afridi
m hafiz
y.khan
m. yousif
s.malik
A.razak
k.akmal
s.akhatar
r.naved
m.asif
this is my choice and.and i know pakistan selection commite is know to cricket becaus Afridi is a player of opening and they r played some tiome opening,1 down,2 down i thing that all position r check to afridi. and that is y pakiston is lost golden batsman,u know if i m selectir i m called to afridi to go to opening because he is a opening batsman
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Well Oliver I do look forward to Tendulkar topping the batting charts in Champions Trophy.
In the last two editions of Champions trophy conditions were not conducive for visitors. High humid and sapping conditions in Srilanka and bitter cold conditions in England did help hosts to do well.
But this time around conditions are quite moderate as summer is over. All teams will find conditions to be ok / good. I did an analysis of how all the teams fared in India since 2000.
Australia won more than 75 % of their matches in India. Windies did well to secure 56% victory in India. But what is important is Windies batted so well when they toured last time that they average 51 plus with the bat and 38 plus with the ball. A positive difference of 12 plus. Only Australia manages to beat it with a positive difference of 13 plus. India and Pakistan have a positive difference, between bat and ball, of only 3 plus.
Pitches in India nullify bowling supremacy and people like Gayle will have gala time. So I will not be surprised if Windies successfully defend their title
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All the news when Sachin was out due to injury about him being past his time and will not peform to his best ever. But i think he will play better than he has ever had. I dont not think he will retire until he reaches his landmark of 50 centuries the ODI. God bless him and wish him all the best from my side and hopefully he will put on a good show in the champions trophy and the world cup next year.
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hi oliver,how r u? well mate ur column is interesting.i agree sachin is the player to watch and on indian pitches he might end up as top scroer for this tournament.
But whether sachin be able to lift the cup for india,i doubt it.I still think indians cannot play well under pressure,their batsmen who are known for their technique and class fell apart under pressure as autumn leaves.
I will rate teams who can win this tournament as follows:
1.australia
2.srilanka
3.pakistan
4.india
5.south africa
6.westindies
i think srilankan team has gelled really well under mahela jayawardene,pakistan even without inzamam will be a force to reckon if shoaib and asif are fit.India then comes with home advantage,southafrica i feel don't have the bowling resources for these pitches,westindies can impress.
But if anybody will be able to beat australia that question still remains.cheers
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Hello , I think Sri Lanka will have good chance of winning the tournament this year. They have a well balance side with young & experience players. They have been paying excellent cricket lately & conditions favors them.
All these years , favorites have lost the Champions trophy . so I don?t think the Aussies / Indian or Pakistanis will have a chance.
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Well, I think Indians do have significant chance of winning the tournament. But Australia will be the team to watch out for. Don't forget, they defeated India in their last test series here. SO, now they have confidence that they can master the conditions.
Another team that can be surprise winners is Pakistan, largely due to dangerous Afridi and Razzak down the order, and new found talent Asif, and they are not alien to sub-continental conditions. But the question once again will be their consistency in the tournament.
I say the guys to look for will be Peiterson, Tendulkar and Bret Lee - all in teriffic form.
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Yes, India will have home crowd behind them, but they always choke in big turnament.I expect SriLanka and NewZeland to surprise lot of people.
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well i think this tournament is going to test all the teams including australia and srilanka .. i dont expect any particular team to shine ., i m expecting a wonderful finish to the tournaments with exciting shocks ., i m pretty sure that the indians need to work very hard to win the trophy , while i think srilanka are the favourities leaving the aussises behind them
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i think Sachin is great Batsman But he is not a good Team pplayer who never won the match on his own
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i think and i hope that india will win this cup because India and Indian players are the best with no douth
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Good point Nally.
At the moment there is the World Cup every 4 years, the ICC trophy every 2 years and they plan to bring in a 2020 World Cup aswell.
Too many tournaments! All so the ICC can make more money. I am all for raising money for the game, but don't they realise that the more tournaments you have, the less interesting each one becomes and audiences will deteriorate.
They should scrap the ICC trophy and have the 2020 World Cup instead. Both will just bore people. Look at the failure of Pro 40 in the domestic league.
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i think sri lanka will win the trophy
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i think sri lanka will win the trophy. players like jayasuriys,jayawardene,sangakkara, murali can cause problebs to other teams. i dont think australia is going to win the trophies. india and west indies and pakistan have good chances but i think srilanka and india will play the final.
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i think sri lanka will win the trophy. players like jayasuriys,jayawardene,sangakkara, murali can cause problebs to other teams. i dont think australia is going to win the trophies. india and west indies and pakistan have good chances but i think srilanka and india will play the final.
if sri lanka played with this team they can definetly win the title
1. sanath jayasuriya
2. upul tharanga
3. mahela jayawardene
4. kumar sangakkara.
5. marvan atapattu
6. dilshan
7. kapugadera
8. chaminda vaas
9. malinga
10. muttiah muralitharan
11. dilhara fernando
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I'd love to see England win, but that, at the moment is not at all realistic!
The AUSSIES are favourites and the INDIANS have the home advantage but we saw a few hiccups from the champs in Malaysia & we also saw the Indians crumble,however, I reckon these 2 teams would make it to the Semi's.
PAKISTAN underperformed in England and the absence of Inzi would show, but Younis Khan is known to be inspirational. The KIWI's have played just 18 matches in the past season, and the lack of match practice would undoubtedly be their downfall.
SA aren't playing their best at the moment. The WI have vastly improved their game in all departments. SL are in blistering form and their aggressive and never-say-die attitude has put them next to the Aussies - attitude-wise and it has clearly sky-rocketed their performance.
I see SL & Pak go into the semi's from the 1st group and Aus & Ind make the semi's from the 2nd..and maybe we'll see a repeat of the 1996 world cup final from there on...
Cheers to all the teams....
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I think pakistan will win champions trophy as it good has previous record.It travelled to semi final in previous champions trophy.So as Asif a reverse swinger akhtar as well as Rana have good bowling atack.They can change way of game any time.In batting line up Inzamam younis and yousuf is pillar of pakistan.In recent game vs england younis were man of the series in ODI and yousuf were man of the series in Test...........And a heartless hitter having world's fastest ODI record boom boom Afridi can change and break any fastest ODI record......................
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I think both competitions could be between Australia, NZ, Pakistan and India. England have not performed well this year and I think they will have to pull something out of the bag to win either competitions.
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I see Stuart Clark has pulled out of the tournament, just as well after he was looking at the record number of runs off a bowler in the last tournament they played.
The Aussies are complaining about Trescothicks stress claim, maybe they should look in their own camp.
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i think it is potentially a good tournament in comparison to the world cup because it doesnt mess around with pointless games such as austalia v namibia for example for the forst 2 weeks or whatever. we just cut to the quick with an exciting group of england, india, aussie and windies or sri lanka
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I am interested in how you have managed to get a bet on Tendulkar to be top tournament run scorer as I have yet to find any bookmaker quoting prices on this. Which firm did you place the bet with and at what odds?
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hi everyone out there hope the ICC CHAMPIONS TROPHY would be a big 1 , i think these teams have a chance of winning: PAKISTAN!!!, england,india,west indies,austrailia and south africa maybe sri lanka they all r the best but i think pakistan have a big chance of winning because of their bowling attck and bating it dont matter if pakistan lost inzamam pakistan dont back out 2 quickly. PAKISTAN IS GOING TO FINISH ALL THE TEAMS OUT THERE,
!!!!COME ON PAKISTAN YOU CAN DO IT!!!!
(*
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Hi all I am a west indian, and it seems to me as if you'll have forgotten that we came from being the underdogs 2 years ago to win in grand style if i may add. Chris is in great for so is Lara and Sarwan and Wavell are both due runs. On the bowling side of it the best bowler in the west indies by a mile Corey Collymore, should be back in action for the trophy. Him alongside the likes of Bradshaw can do serious damage because of their great control of the ball, in todays game you do not need to be a tearway fast bowler to get results, look at Pollock. REMEMBER THE WEST INDIES SHOULD NEVER BE OVERLOOKED.
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agreed turn it into 20twenty comp.
get the USA to put out a team of baseball players, get the west indies islands playing as individual countries bigBIGbig
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I THINK ITS A PAKISTAN & INDIA FINAL. THE GAMES ARE ALWAYS CLOSE AND IT WOULD BE A GREAT FINAL.
ITS OBVIOUS THAT INDIA WOULD WIN, PAKISTAN CAN NEVER BEAT INDIA WHEN THE PRESSURE IS ON. BUT IT WOULD BE A QUALITY GAME ESPECIALLY SINCE THE TROPHY IS BEING CONTESTED IN INDIA.
WHO KNOWS VIRENDER SEHWAG MIGHT BECOME THE 1ST MAN TO HIT A DOUBLE CENTURY IN AN ODI.
INDIA 2 WIN IT!! YUVRAJ/DHONI TO BE TOP SCORER AND HARBHANJAN THE TOP WICKET-TAKER.
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This years Champion's trophy has one word written all over it ' PAKISTAN '. The most ferocious bowling attack with Shoaib , Asif , Rana and Razzak who are going to be ably assisted by Afridi , Malik and Hafeez , I beleive Pakistan is presently boasting the best all around bowling attack in the world. Ofcourse they are going to to miss Inzi - but then who wouldnt. Inzi is such a fascinating player to watch and he has done so much for Pakistan over the past decade or so. Despite his omission I feel that Younis , Yusuf and the gang will put in enuf to lift the trophy. I beleive , hope and pray that the individual brilliance of Afridi , Razzak , Malik , Shoaib and Asif will make Pakistan the new ICC champions. Best of luck Boys - lets do it this time !
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Only a few days to go now and I can't wait. I really hope England win and if not them, then I hope India win or even Bangladesh. haha
C'mon KP, Freddie, Strauss, Saj Mahmood and the rest...
Monty defo needs to play on the Indian wickets.
I think Viru will be top scorer and Eng/Aus/Ind to win
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Go Zimbabwe, Go South Africa, Go New Zealand
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I think the Champions Trophy is going to be an exciting tournament and test of nerves for all teams. The scheduling of the tournament is alright as it would be a good practice for teams before the World Cup. India is definitely a strong contender to win the trophy due to home advantage. Australia, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, West Indies, Pakistan are not far behind too and are capable to beat any team on a given day.
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Anybody that doesn't rate NZ a real chance should think again. Bond and the new man Gillespie will rip through most teams with the new ball. With the longest tail in the game we are capable of chasing down any target. NZ is the last team you should write off.
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how much money does the ICC actually generate from this? because the crowds are generally low
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I would'nt wager on Sachin so much since he has a tendency to fail when under pressure.But who knows ,this is his home country and he may feel secure enough t come up with magic.
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the best thing for sachin is, he made thousnads of runs, so don't care about he gets out on 2 or 100 just go for blast and destroyre the all records, also ricky can not thing about to go there.
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With all respect to the Asian nations who will have local rivalry to fight for, how many of the teams will actually worry about this competition?
Previous editions have had a habit of producing surprise winners from unfancied teams - would any one in their right mind have predicted a West Indies-England final in 2005?
Australia and England will simply see it as preparation for the Ashes. New Zealand are in the middle of a massive gap in their international programme and thus playing under a huge handicap. South Africa will be distracted by off the field issues. The West Indies face a real fight to qualify with Bangladesh and Sri Lanka providing tough opposition, although on their day the West Indies could beat any team and I would love to think that they could retain the trophy. And Zimbabwe will just be desperate not to suffer defeats by too embarrassing a margin.
Simply because of acclimatisation issues it should be any two from India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka in the final, but one suspects that the teams will be more worried about fine-tuning for the World Cup than this competition and with only four wins needed to lift the Trophy, luck will play a big part.
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Being a Pakistani, i would like Pakistan to win. But looking things in reality, i see no reason for Australianz taking this title First Time Ever.
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Sure INDIA can win CHAMPIONS TROPHY,
just like many of the Participating International teams.
Present trends denote that whichever TEAM can
keep the pressure onto the Opposing TEAM from the word GO up until conclusion of each Match they play, have a very fair chance of taking the
Champion CUP 2006 at India.
Looking at the recent International Match performances, Australia, South Africa and Sri Lanka have excelled.
Second line International Cricket Teams with Recent Performances will be England, India, West Indies and Pakistan.
I will keep my bets safe with Australia and South Africa, since these two International Teams have
showed they can play to their potential at any
Venue in the World against any TEAM in the World. Their Showing have been remarkable
in the recent past. These two teams are to be
looked out for by any other Team who play against them during any level of the Tournament. These Two Teams normally take away the balance from the Opposing Teams
performance by sheer energy shown by their TEAM members on the field.
Any other Team has a fair chance on how they
can spearhead their teams strengths to force the
Opposing Team to backfoot.
West Indies can defend their Champions Trophy.
England, Pakistan and India too stand a chance to win the CHAMPIONS TROPHY.
Whichever International TEAM can do the BASICS
right, game after game until they win the FINALS,
Stands a chance to win the CHAMPIONS TROPHY
this time around.
It is not going to be a CAKE WALK for any of the
Competing TEAMS to win the FINALS, unless
they Perform each and every match they play
extremely well in all departments, Batting, Bowling and fielding of all the most importantly.
Selectors from all Competing TEAMS will be looking closely to Reinvent their TEAMS to
Compete better for the Upcoming WORLD CUP
2007.
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I am thinking of taking a few days off from just so i do not miss all the exciting cricket action in the ICC championship in the comfort of my home right here in Harare, Zimbabwe. I am hoping to get the opportunity to see these players in action because they hold the key to all the action.
1 Mike Hussey
2Sachin Tendulkar
3Chris Gayle
4Jaques Kallis
5Andrew Flintoff
6Stephen Fleming
7Brendan Taylor(Zimbabwe's own)
8Brett Lee
9Shane Bond
10Makhaya Ntini
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I think Srilanka will emerge as winners purely the fact that they have a good batting line up and a world class spinner who will be there trump card. Also they are playing in conditions more suitable for them. So watch out for Srilanka Folks.
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is anyone aware that SA is also in this tournament.
they have an amaizing team cept maybe thier mid bowlers.
i however belive they should be able to take on anyone / team
as a fan they will win until they cannot win
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Anyone can win the tournament, no predictions, although Austarlia the most consistent & SL in top foam & India playing in front of their home crowd are the favourites but according to my prediction i would say any team (Beside Bangladesh & Zimbabwe) can win it EX: the last tournament in Eng where West indies won. All 9 teams are in great shape can upset any team on their day. I have a feeling Aus wont win again this time & they'll be really unlucky again. Well we can expext the best world cup next year in WI due to fierce competition.
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Shane Bond throws lightning bolts, consider this a storm warning!!!!! Gillespie throws meat pies, consider the tuck shop open......
NZ to win the test in 2 days!!
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I predict a massive downturn in interest in The Chimp's Troughy, due to the closure of the TMS messageboard. Don't any of your blogging staff have an opinion on this, it seems to be obsessing much of your audience.
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Marc
I think South Africa have an excellent chance of winning, too. I backed them a long time ago to win the World Cup.
Their major weakness, as I am sure you know, is the spin-bowling, however. For that reason I think they will be more effective in the Caribbean than in India.
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Now that the Champions Trophy has started in India it’s good to be focussing on something rather than the 4th Test between England and Pakistan, although the ramifications from the fourth day of that match were still very much with us this week with Pakistan grabbing most of the headlines for the comings and goings surrounding their captaincy and management. Perhaps the saddest point of note is the resignation of Shaharyar Khan the Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman who had seemed to bring a sense of order to Pakistan cricket in recent years. He had been a key person in ensuring events following the 4th Test hadn’t got even more out of hand and it appears his departure is linked to Younis Khan’s belief that he was somehow to have been a “dummy” captain, a role which he wasn’t interested in and said so publicly at a press conference. Exactly what was behind all this isn’t 100% clear but the future for Pakistan cricket, as so often, seems more uncertain now than it was a couple of months ago. One wonders what other changes might follow in the weeks ahead. If Pakistan and Bob Woolmer decided to part company for any reason, it would be fascinating to see what the ex-opening bat turned coach would do next.
The Champions Trophy involves all 10 Test playing nations. The bottom four ranked teams play in a group to decide which two of them join the top 6 teams. Then these 8 teams then play in two groups with the top 2 in each group playing off in semi finals culminating in a day/night final in Mumbai on 5th November. The format is pleasingly simple and I congratulate the ICC on this aspect at least. But I can’t help think the ICC need to have a re-think about the role of this competition in relation to the cricket World Cup.
Because the competition includes all the Test playing countries, it feels just a bit too much like the World Cup. In fact because the likes of Kenya and Canada are not playing, there aren’t any lop-sided games like there are in the World Cup proper, and so in this way it’s actually better than the World Cup.
One of the ICC’s missions is to globalise the game and the Champions Trophy would have been the ideal opportunity to include nations such as Kenya, giving them the opportunity to play in a major competition against the Test playing nations.
Any competition that competes with a game’s World Cup can’t be good for that sport. At least the planned ICC 20-20 competition is a much shorter version of the game and can be marketed as something quite different. The solution for the 50-over game, it seems, is fairly straightforward. Keep the World Cup for the Test playing nations, and for the Champions Trophy, stage a competition without 2 or 3 of the Test match teams and replace them with teams from the next tier of cricketing countries. The Champions Trophy would then have some distinct features of it’s own – plenty of top class games, the opportunity for less established nations to appear on the cricket world stage and with it, the possibility of giant-killing results (minor nations beating major ones), while the World Cup would be preserved as exclusively the one occasion when all the top teams compete for the undisputed title of World Cup winners!
Anyway, my prediction this time is for a home win and India to lift the Trophy!
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It's nice to see a positive spin on the tournament, but we have already seen two hideous mismatches and the 23 people who paid at the gate to see increasingly desperate efforts by Chris Gayle to get out so that somebody else could have a gentle net in the middle may just disagree with "no mismatch" theory. The one good thing that can be said for the matches so far is that the spectre of Australia playing Zimbabwe has been eliminated.
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Yes of course my posting the comment that “because the likes of Kenya and Canada are not playing, there aren’t any lop-sided games (in the Champions Trophy) like there are in the World Cup proper” was the perfect queue for Zimbabwe to get bowled out for 85 and West Indies to win with 20 overs to spare!
I suppose I could argue that because the likes of Kenya and Canada are not playing it makes lop-sided games less likely, or I could just concede this has proved what a wonderfully unpredictable game cricket is!
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I take the point made by the last couple of posters here on the one-sidedness of these first few matches of the tournament.
I think, in fairness, this was totally predictable and that the tournament "proper" starts on Sunday with India v England.
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Oliver:
7 matches. 7 mismatches.
Exciting, isn't it?
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Incidentally Oliver, the title, "are you not entertained?" is a clever one, particularly remembering the context in the film in which the line is given. Very apt in the circumstances given that the "entertainment" concerned was just the same one-sided massacres that the Champions Trophy is serving up, match after match.
The qualifying format has, sadly, been a failure (although a necessary one). The sad fact of life is that the gap between the top 8 sides and the rest is so huge that any format that pitches in sides from outside top 8 is going to get embarrassing at times.
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Now 8 matches, 8 mismatches.
Maximus would be proud!
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Well i can safley say that it has been a real disapointment so far. Not only has it failed to produce good cricket it has also shown the lack of countries able to play one day cricket, it had often been seen as the 'easy option' to test match cricket. But many teams have failed to preform well. I understand how difficult the conditions in India are but teams should have had good time to prepare and find how to play the pitch, while batting and bowling. The amount of teams who could have won this compitition to start with were few but now you can really see how the game lacks real quality in the one day area, and how teams can under-preform when in differant countires. England for instance, if they did really care about thier one day form they would have practised for this compitition so that they could have at least stood a chance. Instead they have been messing about over the ashes, as they have recieved critism about thier poor one day form. Such things as Duncan Fletcher being under pressure and players having to be rotated to see where ther options lie. It has therefore dented thier confindence going into the test matches. Even though Freddie Flintoff and Ricky Ponting say it has no bearing on the outcome of the ashes, it almost certinly will have an affect on the way they are playing and squad selections. The same will happen for every team if they didnt care about this trophy, and have a poor effect on cricket.
joe
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