World Cup Preview

This winter we have been treated to a spectacular feast of cricket. We had the record smashing Ashes series and a tightly contested series between the top two sides in the world, India and South Africa. Now, we have the World Cup. Whether or not you are a fan of one-day cricket, the World Cup is always a spectacle (whether for good or bad reasons). Despite my insistence that Test Match cricket is all important and nothing else comes close, I will be keenly following proceedings on the subcontinent.

For the first time since 1996 the likely winner of the tournament is not a foregone conclusion. The dominant Australian side of 1999, 2003 and 2007 is no more and has been replaced by mere mortals. India are a force to be reckoned with, especially on home turf. South Africa will always be challengers and could well win it if they can get rid of their 'chokers' tag. Sri Lanka are a very good side these days and possess a strong varied attack which will prove problematic. For the first time since 1992, England are among the contenders for the crown. Andy Flower has constructed a good side who will have a clear plan of attack for the challenges that await. Then there is of course Australia, they are not the force they once were but underestimate them at your peril. Their side is filled with potential match winners and they have the fastest attack in World Cricket, whether or not that will prove useful on the subcontinent remains to be seen.

It is very difficult to see any teams from outside this group lifting the trophy. However, there is one side which I believe with just the right amount of luck and obviously some very good performances has the slightest chance.

Bangladesh. Now be honest, who thought I was talking about Pakistan? West Indies or New Zealand possibly? I would not be surprised by the complete dismissal of Bangladesh's World Cup aspirations. After all, this is the side which has floundered at the bottom of World Cricket for the past decade.

My wild-card prediction has taken a fair amount of thought. Despite appearances, I have not just plucked Bangladesh's name out of a hat and inserted their name into this article. My feeling that they could perform well in this tournament was ignited by their astonishing 4-0 drubbing of New Zealand. Now I know that New Zealand have been playing poorly but it was the remarkable consistency of results which was so eye-catching. Never before had Bangladesh stringed together a run of wins against a high standard of opposition.

The doubters will point to the fact that Bangladesh were in home conditions. My answer to those critics is that it is these conditions which Bangladesh will encounter during the World Cup. Their team is tailor-made for the subcontinent as it packed with spinners and all-rounders. The final indication that Bangladesh could spring a surprise is that they have not one, but two world-class players, Tamim Iqbal and Shakib Al-Hasan. Bangladesh will rely heavily on these two but if they have good tournaments, I am sure Bangladesh will follow suit.

Now don't get me wrong, by no means do I see Bangladesh as favourites. After careful consideration I have awarded that accolade to India. Whilst there are many teams capable of winning the tournament. India are the standout. They have a very powerful batting line-up which includes the likes of Sehwag, Yuvraj and Yusuf Pathan, not to mention Sachin Tendulkar. On their day they have the capacity to tear any bowling attack to shreds, especially in their own conditions.

There are many questions being asked in the lead up to the World Cup. Can Australia continue their World Cup dominance? Will South Africa shake off their 'chokers' status? Can England finally end their World Cup horror story? Well, we are very close to finding out the answers.