Re: India Vs Ireland (06th March) @Bangalore
Once the great Aussie team came down from their peak, it is clear a half dozen teams are in the second place with marginal difference amongst them. India, Pakistan, SA, SL, England can all win and beat anyother depending which player fires that day. WI & NZ seem to have some catching up to do but good to see teams like Ireland and Kenya at least threatening stronger teams. Cricket is getting exciting again (except for some reason I can’t get used to IPL, trading of players etc).
**Even though it breaks my heart to say it I think Pakistan has regained their status as the most difficult team to beat. **I cannot see anyother team having establish themselves as the contender. Let us all wish that they collapse from this status soon, well before finals!
Without Sachin, India is no better than most other teams and combined with the weakness in bowling, I don’t know where all the expectations and front-runner status came from. Just because most of the cricketing money is in India doesn’t make the team any better - except in the income tax department. We haven’t produced a single world class bowler. The team however has gotten good result with sheer spirits - the ability to will its way through adversity. That may stand in good for them. Let us hope the batting juggernaut holds its end up.
Sri Lanka has been the biggest surprise - they are playing well under their caliber
only if the batters do their job. i.e. if the batting clicks then we have a chance. Batting is the key. If Pakistan bat first and score 275-280, I believe they can give a hard time to any side on account of their bowling attack which has both variety and penetration