English FLt20 XI: A team of players to watch in this year’s competition

 

1. Michael Carberry – Hampshire Royals – T20 average: 27.66 – SR: 112.92

The former Surrey and Kent man looked in supreme touch on Wednesday night against his former team, as his 60 off 45 balls drove  the Royals on to an easy win. His innings exemplified all his t20 qualities, as Carberry displayed a 360̊ degree range of shots. His breath of powerful strokes should stand him in good stead at the top of the order, as Hampshire look to retain the title that they won last season. Yet to make a century in t20 cricket, could this be Carberry’s year?

 

2. Dawid Malan – Middlesex Panthers – T20 average: 30.42 – SR: 117.58

Aggressive left-handed batsman Malan has had a huge amount of success in the 20-over format over the past few years, with his most noteworthy performance a magnificent 103 off just 51 balls against Lancashire in 2008. Although he has spent much of this season in the second XI, he returned with 58* against the Unicorns in the YB40 last week and will be a key component in the Panthers batting line-up at the top of the order alongside Paul Sterling and Joe Denly.

 

3. Luke Wright – Sussex Sharks – T20 batting average: 26.31 – SR: 147.02; T20 bowling average: 32.22 – Econ: 8.41/over

England all-rounder Wright has become something of a t20 mercenary over the past few seasons, with stints in the IPL, Big Bash and BPL; however, this fact simply expresses what a fine player t20 player he is. A destructive top-order batsman in the shortest form of the game, Wright’s success often comes from hitting over the top and taking full advantage of the powerplay fielding restrictions. Also a handy seamer, his ability to mix it up and bowl yorkers makes him a reliable death bowler. The Sussex man is in stunning form with the bat, having scored 115 off 61 balls against Kent in the YB40 last week, so expect him to shine for the Sharks this year.

 

4. Owais Shah – Essex Eagles – T20 average: 33.83 – SR: 127.44

Essex batsman Shah is an extremely experienced performer in the t20 format, who like Luke Wright, has played 20-over cricket all around the globe. Formerly a regular international for England in ODI cricket, Shah has the ability to make quick runs in the middle-order, using his wristy technique to powerfully manoeuvre the ball to all corners of the ground. His average and strike-rate show what an exquisite limited overs player he is, and Essex will need Shah to be on top form if they are to qualify out of the competition’s tricky south group.

 

5. Gary Ballance – Yorkshire Vikings – T20 average: 26.14 – SR: 121.78

Zimbabwe-born batsman Gary Balance is a player showing huge potential and England’s decision to call the 23-year-old into their t20 squad for the series against New Zealand shows just how highly this young man is rated. He toured Australia with the Lions this winter, having excelled in domestic limited-overs cricket last season. He also topped the List A averages for county Yorkshire in 2012 and scored two half-centuries in the Champions League. Big things are to come from this young man.

 

6. Darren Stevens – Kent Spitfires – T20 batting average: 30.20 – SR: 132.83; T20 bowling average: 23.91 – Econ: 7.49/over

Stevens scored the fastest century of the summer so far last week, with a breathtaking 44-ball ton as the Spitfires achieved a world-record run chase against the Sussex Sharks at Canterbury. Ever since his arrival from Leicestershire in 2004, Stevens has been a critical member of the Kent team in all three forms of the game. He has scored over 10,000 runs in first-class cricket and with 2852 t20 runs to date, he is also the most prolific 20-over run scorer on the county cricket scene. Also a more than useful seam bowler, Stevens’ all-round contribution will be vital for the Spitfires this campaign.

 

7. Craig Kieswetter – Somerset – T20 batting average: 27.63 – SR: 120.59; T20 catches: 50 –  stumpings: 17

South-African born wicket-keeper batsman Kieswetter will be hoping that 2013 could be his year. Having lost his place in the England ODI and T20 teams to team mate Jos Buttler, Kieswetter will be hoping to showcase his ability with both bat and gloves in this year’s FLt20, in order to re-stake his claim for his old England spot. His batting relies heavily on his ball striking capabilities and ability to hit over the infield during the powerplay overs, which he did to great effect when he was part of the England team that won the ICC World Twenty20 back in 2010. Somerset are favourites with the bookies to win this year’s FLt20 and the Trescothick-Trego-Kiewswetter combination at the top of their line-up will play a key role.

 

8. Graham Napier – Essex Eagles – T20 batting average: 15.20 – SR: 142.83; T20 bowling Average: 21.29 – Econ: 7.34/over

When it comes to limited-overs cricket, Napier is never too far away from the spotlight. Widely known for his explosive batting performances in t20 cricket, in particular his world-record 152* against Sussex in 2008 when he hit a mammoth 16 sixes, it is his bowling that has helped him make the headlines this year. He took 4 wickets in 4 balls in a YB40 match against Surrey, to finish with figures of 7-32 and Napier also recently took 7-90 in a LVCC Div 2 County Championship game against Leicestershire. He also currently tops the four-day batting averages for his county, having scored 556 runs at an average of 61.78 so far this season, including five fifties and a ton. Napier is a man in serious form.

 

9. James Tredwell – Kent Spitfires – T20 bowling average: 27.72 – Econ: 7.22/over

Kent skipper Tredwell has had a fantastic year, finally breaking thorough into the international side in place of the injured Graeme Swann and also taking over the Spitfires captaincy from former-England batsman Rob Key. Tredwell’s strong showings in the international team have earned him rave reviews from captain Alastair Cook and he has also become a real favourite with the England fans’ too. The off-spinner relies on his consistency, control and subtle variations to out think the opposing batsman, and as a handy batsman and slip fielder, providing Swann is fit enough to play in the Ashes, Tredwell will play a massive role in the Spitfires t20 campaign this summer.

 

10. Jamie Overton – Somerset – List A bowling average: 22.83 – Econ: 5.95/over

Although he has yet to play a t20 match for his county Somerset, many will be expecting young Jamie Overton to make his mark on the competition this season. As one of the most exciting young seam bowlers in the county, Overton has been regularly reaching speeds of over 90mph this season…and he’s only 19!! With 24 championship wickets to date this season, Somerset will be hoping that their Devon-born quick can have a similar impact in the t20 format.

 

11. Boyd Rankin – Warwickshire Bears – T20 bowling average: 17.96 – Econ: 5.60/over

Former Ireland international Rankin made his t20 debut for England this week, having previously played in 52 ODI internationals for the country of his birth. The Derry-born paceman is now targeting more international honours over the next few years for England, and an impressive showing in this season’s FLt20 competition would help to further stake his claim for an Ashes spot. Thus far in his domestic t20 career he has taken 29 wickets in 26 matches, at a very impressive economy rate of just 5.60 runs an over, so expect the six-foot-seven seamer to be cause difficulties for batsman at both ends of the innings this year.

 

 

Stevens shines as Kent achieve world record run-chase

Match Report: KENT SPITFIRES vs. SUSSEX SHARKS – 19^th June 2013 

Kent Spitfires last night claimed a record-breaking victory over local rivals Sussex Sharks in the Yorkshire Bank 40 competition, after chasing down 336-5 with three wickets and an over to spare. Kent’s score of 337-7 was the highest ever successful run chase in 40-over cricket history.

Darren Stevens stole the show for Kent, blasting his way to 118 off 53 balls, to lead his team to victory on a glorious floodlit night in Canterbury. Stevens reached his century off just 44 balls, scoring twelve 4s and seven 6s, before he was caught on the deep mid-wicket boundary with the score on 291. Sam Northeast then put Kent within touching distance with a century of his own, his maiden List A hundred (his previous best was 69), before a wide in the penultimate over handed Kent the win.

Sussex’s total of 336 had already set a landmark for the largest limited-overs total at the Spitfire Ground, formerly known as the St. Lawrence Ground, after Luke Wright blitzed his way to 115 off 61 balls, with an astonishing display of power-hitting. However, Wright’s innings was overshadowed by Stevens, who is now in pole position to win the coveted Walter Lawrence Trophy, awarded to the scorer of the fastest century this summer.

Having won the toss, Kent captain Geraint Jones might have been regretting his decision to field first at the halfway stage of the Sussex innings, with the visitors already amassing over 200 runs for the loss of just one wicket. Luke Wright and opening partner Chris Nash got the Sharks off to a blistering start, with an opening stand of 194 from 18.3 overs, the highest ever partnership by a Sussex pair against Kent in all forms of one day cricket.

Although Sussex’s pace slowed, largely thanks to tight bowling from Stevens and off-spinner Adam Riley, a profitable partnership between the innovative Michael Yardy (46) and young left-hander Matt Machan (41*) meant the Sharks finished with a formidable total. Although all of Kent’s bowlers took some stick, it was the unfortunate Calum Haggett who made the record books, as his eight overs leaked a mammoth ninety-seven runs.

With the required rate at 8.4 per over from the start of Kent’s innings, it was critical their openers made a quick start if they were to have any chance of overhauling Sussex’s total. Fortunately, Northeast and former-skipper Rob Key provided that platform, making 109 for the first wicket, with Key hitting eight boundaries in a quick fire 52 from 43 balls before he was removed by left-arm seamer Chris Liddle. An injury to Brendan Nash meant Alex Blake came in at no.3 for Kent, and he scored 14 before Liddle claimed his second wicket.

That brought Stevens to the crease, who alongside Sam Northeast added 159 for the third wicket to somehow keep Kent up with the required rate. The pair made full use of the short boundary on the Old Dover Road side of the ground, although Stevens also clubbed sixes to the longer mid-wicket boundary, as he milked Will Beer for 17 off an over and then sent Rory Hamilton-Brown for 20 off the next.

With Kent seemingly in control they lost Stevens and Ben Harmison in quick succession, before Northeast and Jones put the Spitfires in command. The hosts required less than a run a ball to achieve victory. However, after Will Beer removed Northeast, two balls later the pressure mounted up as Calum Haggett was expertly caught at cover by Nash.

The crowd were briefly silenced, but Mitchell Claydon, on his YB40 debut for Kent, smashed his first ball for six, leaving Kent with eight runs needed from thirteen deliveries. Jones then glided a four down to third man and although Claydon was run-out with the scores level, Kent held their nerve to safely secure a remarkable victory.

For scorecard, see: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/scorecard/o35181

India emerge as strong ICC Champions Trophy 2013 favourites after blowing away the West Indies

India surged into the ICC Champions Trophy semi-finals after an eight wicket victory over the West Indies at The Oval on Tuesday. Having entered the tournament amid IPL corruption allegations and talk of past touring failures overseas, the Indians have now emerged as favourites to win the competition.

Prior to the Champions Trophy, much had been made of the fact that traditionally, the Indians fail to tour well. However, thus far they have overcome these supposed troubles on foreign soil. After comprehensive victories over South Africa in Cardiff, and now also the Windies, India are now strong favourites with the bookies to become champions.

And no wonder, because Duncan Fletcher’s side are beginning to look like the complete package. On paper, most would agree that this Indian squad is one of the strongest in the competition, but it has been their dominant performances on the pitch which has further swung opinion their way.

At the top of the order, Shikhar Dhawan and his opening partner Rohit Sharma have taken the tournament by storm. After back-to-back hundreds, Dhawan is the leading run-scorer in the competition. His imperious 114 (from 94 balls, with 12 fours and a six) against South Africa led the Indians to the highest total of the competition so far (331-7), whilst his unbeaten 102* helped his side cruise to victory against the West Indies (107b, 10×4, 1×6). Sharma, having slotted in alongside Dhawan at the top of the order, has also hit his straps thus far, with scores of 65 & 52. Subsequently, Dhawan and Sharma have given the Indians a start of 100+ for the first wicket in both of their opening group games, and thus laid the foundations for their team’s success.

With the ball, the Indians have fared far better than anticipated, mainly due to the dry, slow pitches which have been much more conducive to spin-bowling than your typical English pitch in early summer. The legend about the Indians’ failures outside of the sub-continent lies in the lack of influence of their spin heavy attack; however, thus far Ravichandran Ashwin and particularly Ravindra Jadeja have been highly effectual. Jadeja’s 5-36 against the West Indies earned him the man-of-the-match award, which in addition to his 2-31 in their first fixture, means he is currently one of the leading wicket takers in the tournament.

Even the Indians fast bowling unit, one of their weakest departments in recent years, seem to be enjoying the English conditions. On their last visit to England, only Praveen Kumar had any real success with the seaming-swinging ball, however, thus far each of their three seamers have experienced a relative degree of success. The quickest man of the pack, Umesh Yadav, picked up a fifer in their warm-up match against the Aussies, before taking the key scalps of Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers against South Africa, as well as picking up the wicket of West Indian skipper Dwayne Bravo on Tuesday. In addition, Ishant Sharma looks like a completely different bowler to the man who supplied England with a steady flow of juicy half-volleys last time around, picking up three wickets in the competition so far. As for youngster Bhuvneshwar Kumar, he has arguably been the best of the three, bowling consistently good lengths and lines. He too has three wickets, including the vital dismissal of Chris Gayle, who had previously taken his bowling to pieces in that incredible knock of 175 for Royal Challengers Bangalore against Kumar’s Pune Warriors in the IPL.

To conclude, despite all this positive talk, names such as the in-form Dinesh Kartik, the ever-present stroke-making left-hander Suresh Raina, the third best ODI batsman in the world (according to the ICC rankings) Virat Kohli and the darling of Indian cricket, captain, wicket-keeping and power-hitting genius Mahendra Singh (MS) Dhoni have not even warranted one mention. Such baffling omissions from this analysis exemplifies the quality of cricket this Indian side is currently producing, and all that with two of their star players (Kohli and Dhoni) failing, at present, to make their mark on the tournament. But fear not friends, they will, because the Indians are in this competition for the long haul. Minus any major injuries or minor catastrophes, India will be one of the teams contesting the final at Edgbaston on 23rd June.

Champions Trophy 2013 Preview

For the first time since 2004, the Champions Trophy is back on English soil, beginning on Thursday 6^th June, with the world’s number one ODI side India, taking on the early tournament favourites South Africa. Although it does not carry the ‘world cup’ tagline, this tournament is the most competitive ODI competition around, with the best eight teams in the world battling it out for victory. Just four matches separate each team from the final at Edgbaston on June 23^rd and thus to succeed, each team will need to perform to their maximum right from the very first ball. For all you need to know about this year’s competition, here is a team by team guide to the 2013 Champions Trophy.

 

GROUP A

 

England (Hosts)

ICC ODI Ranking: 4^th

Form: England head into the tournament off the back of a home series defeat to New Zealand. They did, however, win the previous series in New Zealand, and at home last summer they defeated the West Indies and Australia, as well as drawing with South Africa.

Fixtures: Australia 8th June; Sri Lanka 13th June; New Zealand 16th June.

Analysis: Hosts England are, according to the latest odds from the bookies, joint-favourites to win the tournament alongside South Africa. On home soil, England are a competitive one day unit and last time England hosted the Champions Trophy, back in 2004, they finished as runners-up to the West Indies. The recent rule changes, regarding the use of new balls from both ends, is ideally suited to England’s four-pronged seam attack of Anderson, Bresnan, Broad and Finn, so providing the latter two can overcome injury, England’s seam attack will be a threat to any opposition. Classy off-spinner Graeme Swann completes the bowling unit. In the batting department, England have a solid line-up, with Cook, Bell, Trott, Root, Morgan and Buttler likely to make up the top six, although there are concerns that without Kevin Pietersen, the batsman lack the ability to score runs both quickly and consistently.

Squad: Alastair Cook (c), James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow, Ian Bell, Ravi Bopara, Tim Bresnan, Stuart Broad, Jos Buttler (wk), Steven Finn, Eoin Morgan, Joe Root, Graeme Swann, James Tredwell, Jonathan Trott, Chris Woakes.

Prediction: Semi-finalists at best, but if Broad and Finn don’t recover from injury, then their recent performances against the Black Caps suggest they are unlikely to make it beyond the group stages.

 

Australia

ICC ODI Ranking: 2^nd

Form: The Aussie’s dispatched the West Indies 5-0 in their last ODI series down under, having drawn 2-2 with the Sri Lankans a month earlier. However, last time they were on English soil, the Australians were defeated 4-0 by the hosts.

Fixtures: England 8th June; New Zealand 12th June; Sri Lanka 17th June.

Analysis: As the second ranked ODI team in the world, the Australians will be a tough team to beat in this competition, even with their recently poor record on English soil. Having comfortably beaten the West Indies at home and also in a warm-up match at Cardiff on Saturday, the Australians have shown that despite the recent retirements of Ricky Ponting and Michael Hussey, they are still a force to be reckoned with in limited overs cricket. Explosive all-rounder Shane Watson is a talismanic figure at the top of the order, and his 135 off just 98 balls on Saturday, was a perfect example of the sort of innings he is capable of constructing. The Baggy Greens also possess plenty of other power-hitters in their line-up including Tasmanian George Bailey, Delhi Daredevil’s skipper David Warner, Mumbai Indian’s $1million signing Glenn Maxwell and left-handed wicket-keeper Matthew Wade. Adam Voges is also a very astute limited overs performer with the bat, whilst captain Michael Clarke (if fit!) is a batsman with world-class pedigree. With the ball, the Aussie’s have a youthful but exciting pace attack, with the likes of Starc, Faulkner and Coulter-Nile, whilst Mitchell Johnson and Clint McKay provide invaluable experience.

Squad: Michael Clarke (capt), George Bailey (vice-capt), Nathan Coulter-Nile, Xavier Doherty, James Faulkner, Phil Hughes, Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Clint McKay, Mitchell Starc, Adam Voges, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Shane Watson.

Prediction: The bookies have the Aussie’s down as third favourites and this is likely to hold true. In Shane Watson they possess a player that is capable of winning games alone, but unless Michael Clarke is fit, they may not have enough depth in their batting line-up to go all the way. Semi-finalists.

 

Sri Lanka

ICC ODI Ranking: 5^th

Form: Sri Lanka come to England after two successive ODI series draws, at home to Bangladesh and away to the Australians, having comfortably seen off New Zealand at the back end of 2012. The last time the Sri Lankans visited these shores in 2011, they lost 3-2 in the ODIs, having lead the series after three matches.

Fixtures: New Zealand 9th June; England 13th June; Australia 17th June.

Analysis: Although Sri Lanka were credited with a joint victory with India in the 2002 Champions Trophy, the Sri Lankans are better known as the nearly-men of ODI cricket. The likes of Sangakkara and Jayawardene have been on the losing side in international limited overs finals on no less than four occasions; in the 2007 ICC world cup against Australia and in 2011 against India, and then in the ICC World T20 competition, against Pakistan in 2009 and most recently in 2012, at home against the West Indies. So, will this finally be their year? The Sri Lankans without doubt possess a batting unit of immense quality and experience, for whilst Dilshan, Chandimal, Mathews and the two Perera’s providing the hitting power, Sangakarra and Jayawardene provide genuine stroke making and touch play. As for the bowlers, Lasisth Malinga and Nuwan Kulasakara are arguably two of the best limited overs bowlers around. In addition, with skipper Angelo Mathews and an abundance of spin options to choose from, the Sri Lankan’s posses a strong, well balanced ODI side.

Squad: Angelo Mathews (c), Dinesh Chandimal (vc), Tillakaratne Dilshan, Shaminda Eranga, Rangana Herath, Mahela Jayawardene, Nuwan Kulasekara, Dilhara Lokuhettige, Lasith Malinga, Jeevan Mendis, Kusal Perera, Thisara Perera, Kumar Sangakkara (wk), Sachithra Senanayake, Lahiru Thirimanne.

Prediction: Would it be terrible of me to suggest they might finish as runners-up again? Although the Australians and the English are expected to top the group, this team are more than capable of upsetting the odds. At odds of 17/2, an e/w punt might be worth a gamble. Providing they can make it out of the group, anything is possible.

 

New Zealand

ICC ODI Ranking: 7^th

Form: Winners in their recent ODI series in England (2-0 with a game still to play) although they were defeated 2-1 at home earlier in the year by the same opposition. They previously beat South Africa 2-1 away from home, but were comprehensively beaten by the Sri Lankans in the sub-continent.

Fixtures: Sri Lanka 9th June; Australia 12th June; England 16th June.

Analysis: It’s hard to predict how the Black Caps will get on in this tournament. Recent form suggests they are a side capable of beating the best teams in the world over the 50-over format, and yet the bookies have them at the highest odds (11/1) to win the competition. What is certain, however, is that Brendon McCullum’s team are not short of quality. Martin Guptill appears to be in the form of his life at the top of the order, after two successive centuries against England. Guptill has amassed 292 runs from 278 balls in the last two games, including a record breaking unbeaten 189. He is ably supported by the accumulating Kane Williamson and the shot-playing Ross Taylor, whilst Franklin and skipper McCullum are both hard-hitting finishers in the middle/lower-order. Their bowling attack is sound without being spectacular, although Tim Southee is growing into his role as the leader of the attack and left-armer Mitchell McClenaghan can swing the ball back dangerously at pace. N.McCullum and Williamson are capable spin options, but the Black Caps would dearly love the experienced Dan Vettori to return to full fitness.

Squad: Brendon McCullum (captain), Ian Butler, Grant Elliott, Andrew Ellis, James Franklin, Martin Guptill, Mitchell McClenaghan, Nathan McCullum, Kyle Mills, Colin Munro, Luke Ronchi, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Daniel Vettori and Kane Williamson.

Prediction: Group stages. Although this seems harsh, given the fact they slaughtered England in their last two matches, only two teams qualify from each group and I think the Black Caps could be one of the two who will miss out.

 

 

GROUP B

 

South Africa

ICC ODI Ranking: 3^rd

Form: South Africa edged out Pakistan 3-2 in their latest ODI series, although they lost their home series again the Black Caps in January. Last summer, they drew 2-2 in their last visit to England.

Fixtures: India 6th June; Pakistan 10th June; West Indies 14th June.

Analysis: Despite being below India and Australia in the ICC ODI rankings, this South African team is widely rated as both the best Test and also ODI team in the world. They possess plenty of ball-striking prowess, and have arguably the best fast bowling attack on the planet. Nonetheless, the absence of test captain Graeme Smith and experienced all-rounder Jacques Kallis are two enormous losses for outgoing coach Gary Kirsten. As a result the South Africans will rely heavily on Amla and de Villiers to score their runs, although Duminy, Berhardien, du Plessis and Ingram are all more than capable in limited overs cricket. In addition, David Miller showcased his power-hitting capabilities in this year’s IPL, whilst McLaren and Robin Peterson are also handy lower-order players. As for the bowlers, Dale Steyn is a fast and furious seamer who can swing the ball both ways, whilst Morkel, Tsotsobe, Kleinveldt and McLaren make up the rest of this lively seam attack.

Squad: AB de Villiers (capt, wkt), Hashim Amla, Farhaan Behardien, JP Duminy, Faf du Plessis, Colin Ingram, Rory Kleinveldt, Ryan McLaren, David Miller, Morne Morkel, Alviro Petersen, Robin Peterson, Aaron Phangiso, Dale Steyn, Lonwabo Tsotsobe.

Prediction: Although the South African’s should still make it out of the group stages, without Smith or Kallis, I just don’t think they have the batting line-up to win it. Plus The Proteas are notorious for looking like world-beaters and then coming unstuck at the business end. Semi-finalists or runners-up.

 

India

ICC ODI Ranking: 1^st

Form: India bounced back from losing the test series to beat England 3-2 back in January, having lost their previous series against Pakistan. Won 4-1 away to Sri Lanka last summer.

Fixtures: South Africa 6th June; West Indies 11th June; Pakistan 15th June.

Analysis: There is no doubt that this is an Indian side with bags of talent. On paper, they have one of the strongest squads in the competition. In the batting department, Kohli and Raina are two of the best one day stroke makers in the world. Dhawan is an explosive top-order hitter, whilst the likes of R.Sharma, Kartik (who is in serious form!) and Jadeja are reliable run scorers in the middle-order. As for MS Dhoni, few would argue that there is a currently a better wicketkeeper batsman in ODI cricket. As for the Indian’s seam attack, the two Kumar’s, Bhuvneshwar and Vinay, should be comfortable in swing-friendly conditions, although Ishant Sharma has struggled to bowl well in previous tours to England. Umesh Yadav is bar far the quickest of the Indian bunch and his extra pace should ensure a successful tournament for him. One contentious issue is the Indian’s reliance upon their spin attack to win them ODI matches, and so it will be interesting to see how the likes of Ashwin, Mishra and Jadeja fair on wickets typical of an early English summer.

Squad: MS Dhoni (capt), Ravichandran Ashwin, Shikhar Dhawan, Ravindra Jadeja, Dinesh Karthik, Virat Kohli, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Vinay Kumar, Amit Mishra, Irfan Pathan, Suresh Raina, Ishant Sharma, Rohit Sharma, Murali Vijay, Umesh Yadav.

Prediction: On paper, their squad looks very strong. However, without the spin-friendly conditions that they excel on, and the lack of an outstanding seamer in their side, I don’t think they will win it. The semi-finals are a possibility.

 

Pakistan

ICC ODI Ranking: 6^th

Form: Beat Ireland 1-0 in a mini-series last week, but lost their last ODI series away to South Africa. Claimed a 2-1 victory in India in December-January.

Fixtures: West Indies 7th June; South Africa 10th June; India 15th June.

Analysis: Unlike their sub-continental counterparts, this Pakistan side is not one that jumps off the paper and strikes you as a team of outstanding quality. However, they do have some very strong individual performers and alongside some very promising young players, this team is very capable of causing a surprise or two. Traditionally Pakistan perform well in these limited over international competitions and they even won the ICC World Twenty20 on competition on English soil back in 2009. As for their line-up, Saeed Ajmal is without doubt one of the best ODI bowlers in the world, and even in conditions that won’t particularly favour spin, he will still be Pakistan’s most dangerous man with the ball. He will be supported by exciting young left-armer Junaid Khan, the genuinely quick but equally erratic Wahab Riaz and the tallest man in the tournament Mohammad Irfan. As for the batsman, Mohammad Hafeez is a man in fine form and is a player of upmost importance for Pakistan; he will need to contribute heavily with both bat and ball if they are to have a successful tournament. Hafeez aside, captain Misbah-ul-Haq is an experienced performer, as are Shoaib Malik, Imran Farhat and Kamran Akmal, whilst Nasir Jamshed and Umer Amin are two highly rated batsmen with plenty of potential.

Squad: Misbah-ul-Haq (c), Ehsan Adil, Saeed Ajmal, Kamran Akmal, Asad Ali, Umer Amin, Imran Farhat, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Irfan, Nasir Jamshed, Junaid Khan, Shoaib Malik, Abdul Rehman, Wahab Riaz, Asad Shafiq.

Prediction: Although Pakistan aren’t one of the more fancied teams in the competition, they are certainly capable of upsetting the odds and even going all the way to the final. They do rely heavily on a few individuals, namely Hafeez, Misbah and Ajmal, but they will definitely be competitive.

 

West Indies

ICC ODI Ranking: 8^th

Form: The Windies comfortably beat Zimbabwe 3-0 in their latest ODI series, but were thrashed by the Aussies 5-0 in February. In addition, they were edged out 3-2 by Bangladesh at the back end of 2012.

Fixtures: Pakistan 7th June; v India 11th June; South Africa 14th June.

Analysis: Last time England hosted the Champions Trophy back in 2004, the hosts lost in the final to an unfancied West Indian side, with Ramnaresh Sarwan being named man of the tournament. So, on the return of the competition to English soil, could lightening strike twice? Well, typically West Indian teams don’t tend to excel in cold conditions, however, the temperature is on the rise in the UK and subsequently, so could be the West Indies chances of making an impact upon the tournament. At the top of the order, in Chris Gayle, the Windies posses the most destructive batsman in world cricket, bar none. His astonishing 175* off 66 balls for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in this season’s IPL was a perfect demonstration of the kind of destruction Gayle can cause on a decent batting surface. Thus, it is worth a note that the West Indies play two of their group games at The Oval, which is usually a juicy, flat batting track; expect Gayle to shine. In fact, with the equally aggressive Johnson Charles alongside Gayle at the top of the order, followed by the assured and experienced Samuels and Sarwan, with powerful one-day hitters Pollard, Bravo and Sammy in behind, this whole West Indian batting line-up looks capable of producing an onslaught to make any attack in the world suffer. As for the bowlers, both pacemen Rampaul and Holder, as well as mystery-spinner Sunil Narine and all-rounder Bravo, put in some impressive displays in the IPL and in conjunction with the raw pace of Best and Roach, they combine to complete a robust bowling attack. Coach Ottis Gibson will be quietly relishing their underdogs tag.

Squad: Dwayne Bravo (capt), Denesh Ramdin (wkt), Tino Best, Darren Bravo, Johnson Charles, Chris Gayle, Jason Holder, Sunil Narine, Kieron Pollard, Ravi Rampaul, Kemar Roach, Darren Sammy, Marlon Samuels, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Devon Smith.

Prediction: The likes of Gayle, Bravo, Pollard and Narine all shone in the IPL, and if they can perform consistently, the West Indies could be dark horses in the competition. Then again, if the weather is rubbish, they’ve got no chance.