undyingking | World Cup warmup (Reply)

We're now just a few hours away from the start of the 2007 World Cup! And for those of you not instinctively stifling a yawn at the very mention of cricket, here is the often-imitated, never-bettered

undyingking guide to the runners and riders.

Australia -- still the best team in the world? They restored a bit of order by beating England in the warmup match just now, but this winter's experiences are bound to have shaken them, they're missing key players, and the rest aren't getting any younger. Surely good enough to get through the group and Super 8 rounds, but I think then they might stumble. My prediction: semis.
England -- on something of a roll at the moment, but on past form not very likely they'll sustain it. Still very inexperienced (the Indian squad has a terrifyng 1600 more caps) and surely not ready for this yet. My prediction: semis.
India -- enough great batsmen that they can win matches while half the team's performing dreadfully. And the pitches will suit them. But I'm going to stick my neck out and say that they'll have difficulty getting the top sides out. My prediction: Super 8.
New Zealand -- up-and-down form -- they were beaten by Bangladesh in their warmup -- and injuries. They only have a few reliable players, and I don't think Shane Bond's pace is going to be as much of a shock factor as they hope. My prediction: Super-8.
Pakistan -- in dreadful disarray (as usual). They will miss Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammed Asif, of course, but I think they'll miss that very steady performer Abdul Razzaq more. TBH I can't see them winning many in the Super-8 round. My prediction: Super-8.
South Africa -- perennial under-achievers. Superb on their day, but rarely put it together for the big matches. Graeme Smith clearly has some of the qualities of the great captains, but not all of them. My prediction: Super 8.
Sri Lanka -- another hugely experienced side, able to deploy the varied threats of Murali and Malinga, allied to plenty of fast-scoring batting, capable of turning the game from any situation. Impossible to write them off in any match. Could be the dark horses of the tournament. My prediction: winners.
West Indies -- home advantage has never been that much use in the World Cup, with only one home winner. But they're coming into form at just the right time, with the enigma that is Brian Lara gelling well with the keen youngsters. Chris Gayle likely to be one of the big names of the show, both with bat and with ball. My prediction: runners-up.