The World Cup.

[Northern Pie]

Bevan is the best ever in his role in the australian side..... and the rest..well ughhhhh no comment suffice to say that is 13 now, so how many do the Australians have to win before they get the respect that they deserve... I guess most of 13 did come about by beating the single most appauling side in the history of internatinal cricket - England!!!

cheers

"NEVER LEAVE, NEVER GIVE UP ON THEM AND ALWAYS BE THERE AT THE END TO CLAP THEM OFF THE GROUND. WE ARE COLLINGWOOD SUPPORTERS SON, EVEN IF THEY BEAT US, WE ARE STILL BETTER THAN THEM!"(quote from my mum when I was 8 years old)

[JLC]

Exactly Northern Pie Bevan is the best at his role, but he isnt the best player in the world.

Australia have got the recognition that they deserve and maybe the opposition respect them too much. Reminds me a bit of how all the teams respected Essendon a couple of years ago. It was only when Brisbane put aside the respect and stated that if it bleeds it can be killed that they started beating Essendon. One of the countries has to have that same attitude if they are to beat Australia.

jlc

Its not arrogance if you can back it up

Fate is what you are given, Destiny is what you do with it

Essendon 2000 premiers
2001 runners up
2002 fifth
2003 ????
The slide continues

[Northern Pie]

JLC,

Hey something we actually agree on..how refreshing.....I thnk that sides do crumble against the Australians too easily. I guess I have to take my comments back about England, because they are not the most appauling side in international cricket, but they sure as hell have the most appauling captain in international cricket which has cost them dearly...I agree that a side has to stand up and say we can beat them and have the self-belief to beat the Aussies, it would be good for cricket world wide...much like when teams realised they could beat the mighty West Indies in the 70's-80's this last summer really sickened me on how easy it was for the Aussies..They did lose the last test, which i wasn't too unhappy about as that showed me that other side can be competitive against the Aussies. The only time I take joy in seeing sides constantly thrashed and outplayed is when Collingwood hand it to Carlton.

Anyways, is there anyone left that will be able to play above themselves enough to beat the aussies now...maybe the Kiwi's will atleast challenge them a little??

cheers

"NEVER LEAVE, NEVER GIVE UP ON THEM AND ALWAYS BE THERE AT THE END TO CLAP THEM OFF THE GROUND. WE ARE COLLINGWOOD SUPPORTERS SON, EVEN IF THEY BEAT US, WE ARE STILL BETTER THAN THEM!"(quote from my mum when I was 8 years old)

[London Dave]

You can argue the relative merits of who is best etc etc til you are blue in the face...as illustrated by another thread here.

I would say this though...

Gilly is probably the best hitter of a cricket ball I have seen from Australia..timimg and power are unbelievable.

Bevan is probably the best finished of a run chase in ODI cricket, and also played the best innings I have ever seen in one day cricket.

Scorecard

Report

[JLC]

New Zealand may not get the chance as the forfeit to Kenya is virtually an 8 point turn around. The super sixes concept is a flop i think. If a team can make the semis without winning a game in the super 6's well then thats a bit of a joke. The world cup is about seeing the best teams play. Its not about some loop hole or something external letting teams qualify.

It would be much better to have the major countries and one minnow and play everyone once. Then the top four would progress. Have a spare day in case of rain and that way very team is playing on a level playing field.

I think after this tournament the whole concept will be changed.

jlc

Its not arrogance if you can back it up

Fate is what you are given, Destiny is what you do with it

Essendon 2000 premiers
2001 runners up
2002 fifth
2003 ????
The slide continues

[Donny]

Is there any chance of you actually enjoying the cricket, JLC?

Donny.

THE BOYS ARE BACK IN TOWN !!!!

[Pies Premiers 2003]

Have India got enough strike power to trouble the Aussies??...Not doubt they can post a massive score with Tendulakar proving again that he is a league of his own....but I feel their bowlers are suspect against a good batting line-up...

Anyone else's thoughts?