So, the World Cup has begun. On Thursday we were treated to a parade of rickshaws, each of which contained one of the Captains from the fourteen (yes, that’s fourteen) teams competing in this years tournament. A six week One Day marathon, the ICC World Cup consists of two groups of eight teams; with the top four from each advancing to the knock-out stages. This part of the tournament lasts for about a month. At the end of which will be the result we could all predict right now. (OK, that might be a little unfair - the West Indies may fail to make it to the quarter final stage). While the thought of the Cricket World Cup fills many with dread (and that’s just the actual cricket lovers) England’s two warm up games, but particularly their last, have provided a faint glimmer of hope.
The big change has been the promotion of Kevin Pietersen. Why, after playing 110 ODI’s, he (and the England Management) have suddenly decided this is the best place for him to bat, who knows and who cares. His 66 against Bangladesh on Friday showed that KP ‘The Opener’ may just work. Frankly, its about time KP took on more responsibility. He his often hailed as England’s best batsman and he likes to be the showman. So, what better place to bat than at the top. Ego aside though, KP is a mighty fine player and if he can bat out a majority of the fifty over’s (allowing players such as Jonathon Trott and Ian Bell to accumulate runs around him), England wont lose many matches.
Paul Collingwood also showed a much welcomed return to form on Friday, with his 65. While Stuart Broad has been even more impressive on his return from injury; taking two five-wicket hauls. With Graeme Swann set to join the team early next week, things might just be falling into place. The absence of Eoin Morgan is obviously still a massive blow, but lets see if the other batsman can stand up to the plate.
If we have to endure six weeks of an ICC tournament, lets at least have an England victory at the end of it.
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