I sure am looking forward to the start of the 2015 World Cup. It’s only the second time in its history that this spectacular event will be played in Australia. I still remember the first edition which took place in 1992. I was a young fast bowler working my way through the ranks back then and, unfortunately, I couldn’t be around to soak in the atmosphere as I was on duty with the Australian youth team in South Africa. So, definitely looking to experience as much of the action as I can this time.

Judging by what I’ve seen in recent matches and the practice games, the two teams who stand out for me happen to be the two hosts — Australia and New Zealand. I’m expecting both these teams to do very well.

Looking at defending champions India, there’s no doubt that their strength lies in their batting, so I reckon they’re going to have to bat second as much as possible to enhance their chances of winning games. South Africa have not been totally convincing but I’d still say they are a side worth keeping an eye on.

The last World Cup in the sub-continent was predominantly about the batsmen. It should be a little different this time. Australian and New Zealand wickets will have more bounce and pace than sub-continent wickets, so pace bowlers in particular will certainly play a greater role in this edition. That said, I must admit that the pitches over the summer have looked very good for batting, certainly the best I’ve ever seen here in Australia in a batting sense.

I’m really confident our boys can do well as they gear up for the start of their campaign with a big game in Melbourne today against the old enemy, England. When the two met in the recent tri-series, the contests were largely one-sided in favour of the Aussies. But this is a fresh competition, a World Cup, where Australia as the home team, will have their nerves tested.

Skipper Michael Clarke’s return from injury is a welcome boost for the side even if it’s unlikely he will take the field today. Honestly, when I saw him pull up in that first Test against India, I really thought he’d struggle to recover in time. But he’s certainly worked hard to make a timely return. He looked good in that 60-odd he got against the UAE in the warm-up but given his history, we’ll have to see how he gets along.

One thing I’m sure about is when he does return to the eleven, it will most likely be at current captain George Bailey’s expense because I don’t see Australia playing the trio of Clarke, Bailey and Smith. And you can’t see the axe falling on Smith given the form he’s been in.

Sunday will see those other two fierce rivals — India and Pakistan — locking horns in Adelaide. The reigning world champions have had a tough summer in Australia, so will be determined to alter their fortunes and get their title defence off to a good start.

As I said earlier, with class players like Kohli, Sharma, Rahane and captain Dhoni, one of the best players in the world in this format, India will be hard to beat. It’s just their bowling that looks to be a grey area.

Pakistan have got some young heads rallying around the veterans like Younis Khan, Shahid Afridi and skipper Misbah-ul-Haq.

They’ve never managed to beat India in their five previous World Cup meetings, but there’s always a first time for anything. It looks a very close game, with India, perhaps, slightly having their nose in front.

Published in Dawn, February 14th, 2015

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