Story ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 in the West Indies [ICC06]

[The Mongrel]

Australian squad announced!

Two new faces join young Aussie side

New face: Shaun Marsh makes his first international squad and is one of two uncapped players heading into the World Cup

OFFICIAL AUSTRALIAN SQUAD FOR THE 2007 WORLD CUP
Name: Appearances (Age)

*RT (Ricky) Ponting: 269 (32)
+AC (Adam) Gilchrist: 257 (35)
MJ (Michael) Clarke: 98 (26)
SM (Simon) Katich: 51 (31)
PA (Philip) Jaques: 5 (27)
MJ (Mark) Cosgrove: 12 (22)
SE (Shaun) Marsh: uncapped (23)
MEK (Mike) Hussey: 56 (31)
SR (Shane) Watson: 50 (25)
B (Brett) Lee: 151 (30)
NW (Nathan) Bracken: 49 (29)
JN (Jason) Gillespie: 97 (31)
BR (Brett) Dorey: 19 (29)
DJ (Dan) Cullen: 5 (22)
SW (Shaun) Tait: uncapped (24)​

 

[The Mongrel]

Nation: Australia
Flag:

Coach: John Buchanan
ODI World Ranking: 1
Status: Full ICC Test & ODI Member
Previous World Cups
2003: Winners bt. India
1999: Winners bt. Pakistan
1996: Runners-up def. by Sri Lanka

Lineup v. Scotland
+AC Gilchrist Bat: 37.36
SM Katich Bat: 41.66
*RT Ponting Bat: 44.51 / Bowl: 34.67
MJ Clarke Bat: 41.06 / Bowl: 37.56
MJ Cosgrove Bat: 27.56 / Bowl: 17.43
MEK Hussey Bat: 55.16 / Bowl: 48.33
SR Watson Bat: 35.06 / Bowl: 43.69
B Lee Bat: 19.05 / Bowl: 23.61
JN Gillespie Bat: 12.57 / Bowl: 25.43
BR Dorey Bat: 10.00 / Bowl: 29.32
DJ Cullen Bat: 9.00 / Bowl: 50.20
12th Man - NW Bracken Bat: 18.00 / Bowl: 27.31

Key Player: Ricky Ponting

The Australian captain averaged 66.76 at a strike rate of 95.92 in a dominant season for Australia in 2006 which sees him ranked number one in the LG One Day Rankings. Coming in at first drop, he has the ability to take the game away from the opposition, agressive from the start even if Gilchrist or Katich fall early. With Andy Symonds retired from all forms of cricket, Ponting will need to keep this agression up all tournament to post big totals for the Aussies.

Key Player: Shane Watson

With Australia trying to find their own 'Freddie' Flintoff, Shane Watson again fills the role of bowling all rounder. Coming of a fairly unsuccessful 2006, Watson retains his spot in the one day side after playing just seven matches. Watson was handy at the bottom of the order, his strike rate 93.92 and an average of 62 (with three not outs mind). If he can have a big tournament, it will go a long way to Australia winning a third straight World Cup.

Unknown Quantity: Jason Gillespie

Hasn't played an international match since being dropped in the 2005 Ashes series, and is recalled due to Australia's lack of an experienced bowler. His efforts opening with Brett Lee need to be solid if the Aussies are to be threatening in the field.

Nation: Scotland
Flag:

Coach: Peter Drinnen
ODI World Ranking: 10
Status: Full ODI Status
Previous World Cups
2003: N/A
1999: Knocked out in Group Stages
1996: N/A

Side to face Australia
DF Watts (ODI Debut)
+DR Lockhart
RR Watson
S Knox (ODI Debut)
*CM Wright (ODI Debut)
MQ Sheikh (ODI Debut)
RT Lyons
GM Hamilton
G Goudie (ODI Debut)
JAR Blain
Asim Butt

Key Player: Gavin Hamilton

32 year old Hamilton represents Scotland for the seventh time in ODIs, after representing England in one test. While, well past his best, Hamilton still averages 54 with the bat in ODIs. He is Scotland's only real hope of winning.

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[The Mongrel]

Aussies crush hapless Scotland

 

[The Mongrel]

Nation: Sri Lanka
Flag:

Coach: Tom Moody
ODI World Ranking: 3
Status: Full Test and ODI Status
Previous World Cups
2003: Semi finallist def. by Australia
1999: Knocked out in Group Stages
1996: Winners d. Australia

Side to face Bangaldesh
+KC Sangakkara
*MS Atapattu
DPMD Jayawardene
ST Jayasuriya
TT Samaraweera
TM Dilshan
HWHD Boteju
WPUJC Vaas
KMDN Kulasekara
SADU Indrasiri (ODI Debut)
M Muralitharan

Key Player: Muttiah Muralitharan

The premier spin bowler in the world following Shane Warne's retirement. Always bringing controversy, Murali will need a big tournament if Sri Lanka are to proceed further than the Super 8 stage.

Key Player: Kumar Sangakkara

Sri Lanka's premier wicketkeeper will again open the order for the Lankans as they look to win their second world cup. The big hitting keeper is underrated behind the stumps, and if he has a good tournament with bat and gloves, Sri Lanka will be tough to defeat.

Unknown Quantity: Sanath Jayasuriya

The prince of Sri Lankan one day cricket, Jayasuriya took over from where Arjuna Ranatunga left off. Now 37, Jayasuriya did not represent Sri Lanka in 2006, but his experience was called upon in the World Cup, and he will hope to find form in the group stages.

Nation: Bangladesh
Flag:

Coach: Dav Whatmore
ODI World Ranking: 9
Status: Full Test and ODI Status
Previous World Cups
2003: Knocked out in Group Stages
1999: Knocked out in Group Stages
1996: N/A

Side to face Sri Lanka
Sharihar Nafees
Javed Omar
Naeem Islam
*Habibul Bashar
Rajin Saleh
Manjural Islam
+Mushfiqur Rahim
Arafat Sunny
Ahsanullah Hasan
Arafat Salahuddin
Hasibul Hossain

Key Player: Habibul Bashar

Bangladeshi captain Bashar has forever had to carry his county on his shoulders, albeit unsuccessfully. If he has a good tournament, expect Bangladesh to push Sri Lanka or India in the group stages.

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[The Mongrel]

Jayawardene leads Sri Lanka to breezy win

 

[The Mongrel]

The Buildup - New Zealand v Kenya

Nation: New Zealand
Flag:

Coach: John Bracewell
ODI World Ranking: 7
Status: Full Test and ODI Status
Previous World Cups
1975: Semi Finals
1979: Semi Finals
1983: First round
1987: First round
1992: Semi Finals
1996: Quarter Finals
1999: Semi Finals
2003: 5th place


Side to face Kenya
PG Fulton
*SP Fleming
CD McMillan
JD Ryder
JDP Oram
NJ Astle
+BB McCullum
DL Vettori
JEC Franklin
TK Canning
SE Bond

Key Player: Shane Bond

Formerly the best one day bowler in the world and New Zealand's savior, Shane Bond suffered a string of devastating injuries which ruled him out of three years of cricket. He finally had a full season of cricket in 2006, and in test matches he did not disappoint, the fast bowler picking up 21 wickets and an average of just 18. His one day form was not as good, averaging 29 per wicket at 4.58 an over. Will hope to improve now he is injury free and at his best.

Key Player: Daniel Vettori

The much maligned spinner began to prove himself with a few brilliant performances agaesentation of his ability.

Nation: Kenya
Flag:

Coach: Peter Drinnen
ODI World Ranking: 12
Status: Full ODI Status
Previous World Cups
1975: First round (as part of East Africa)
1996: First round
1999: First round
2003: Semi Finals


Side to face New Zealand
CO Obuya
LN Onyango
*SO Tikolo
HS Modi
T Mishra
TM Odoyo
+KO Otieno
BJ Patel
JS Ababu
M Sheikh
AS Luseno

Key Player: Steve Tikolo

The best batsman from all non-test playing nations, and probably better than those from Zimbabwe and even Bangladesh. Tikolo averages just 28 for Kenya in his 74 one day appearances, which is a traversty when considering how talented he is. Well past his prime, but as all sports show, players past their prime tend to turn it on when it comes to the big stage.

Key Player: Kennedy Otieno

Out of favour in recent times, the wicketkeeper returns to the Kenyan squad at the age of 34 and 71 appearances under his belt. Has two ODI centuries to his name, and it is this form that could give Kenya a surprise win or two, much like their shock path to the 2003 Semi Finals.

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[The Mongrel]

Kiwis too good as Canning rocks Kenya

Full flight: Tama Canning's seam bowling netted five wickets as New Zealand easily accounted for Kenya

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[The Mongrel]

The Build Up - Pakistan v Zimbabwe

Nation: Pakistan
Flag:

Coach: Bob Woolmer
ODI World Ranking: 5
Status: Full Test and ODI Status
Previous World Cups
1975: First round
1979: Semi Finals
1983: Semi Finals
1987: Semi Finals
1992: Winners
1996: Quarter Finals
1999: Runners up
2003: First round


Side to face Zimbabwe
Taufeeq Umar
Salman Butt
Younis Khan
*Inzamam ul-Haq
Mohammad Yousuf
Shahid Afridi
+Kamran Akmal
Yasir Arafat
Kashif Raza
Shabbir Ahmed
Mohammad Asif

Key Player: Inzamam ul-Haq

Had a poor 2006 season and was on the verge of being dropped after not scoring a ton, and averaging in the twenties in both forms of the game. Signed in the offseason by English county side Essex, big Inzi will need to be back at his run scoring best if Pakistan are to continue what is a great record in World Cup matches.

Key Player: Mohammad Asif

Following the dropping of Shoaib Akhtar from the international stage, Mohammad Asif's line and length will be cruicial if Pakistan are to do well. With batting being the thing that really let the men from the subcontinent down last season, Asif was in awesome touch, taking 29 wickets at an average of just fifteen in one day cricket. Still playing his cricket at Leics, Asif would love to continue his 06 form into World Cup 07.

Unknown Quantity: Shabbir Ahmed

Banned from cricket for a season for an illegal action, Shabbir returns to international cricket amongst controversy having not played any cricket since England toured Pakistan early 2006. Ahmed's chucking controversies have to be put to the back of his mind as he will head the attack with Asif.

Nation: Zimbabwe
Flag:

Coach: Kevin Curran
ODI World Ranking: 11
Status: Full Test and ODI Status
Previous World Cups
1983: First round
1987: First round
1992: 9th place
1996: First round
1999: 5th place
2003: 6th place


Side to face Pakistan
S Chioza (ODI Debut)
K Kulinga (ODI Debut)
A Maungwa
*GM Ewing
+TT Taibu
J Nyumbu (ODI Debut)
J Chinyengetere (ODI Debut)
TN Garwe (ODI Debut)
HP Rinke
T Mupariwa
EC Rainsford

Key Player: Tatenda Taibu

Coaxed back from international retirement, the Mashonaland wicketkeeper had an unsuccessful 2006, and will attempt to prove himself in this World Cup. If he can bat well, Zimbabwe may go close to causing some upsets in this tournaments. Was not given the captaincy, that goes to all rounder Gavin Ewing, who has played just 19 ODIs.

Key Player: Gavin Ewing

Assumes captaincy of Zimbabwe for the first time, the Yorkshire contracted all rounder showed signs of developing into one of Zimbabwe's leading players in a good 2006 season. The feature of his game was his determination to grit out tough situations, situations which Zimbabwe will encounter in the bucketload this series.

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[The Mongrel]

Asif's heroics upstaged by classy Maungwa as Zimbabwe cause massive upset

Not enough: Mohammad Asif took five wickets, but it wasn't enough to prevent Pakistan enduring an embarassing loss.

 

[The Mongrel]

The Build Up - South Africa v Netherlands

Nation: The Republic of South Africa
Flag:

Coach: Mickey Arthur
ODI World Ranking: 2
Status: Full Test and ODI Status
Previous World Cups
1992: Semi Finals
1996: Quarter Finals
1999: Semi Finals
2003: First round


Side to face Holland
*GC Smith
HH Gibbs
JH Kallis
JA Rudolph
+AB de Villiers
AG Puttick
SM Pollock
AJ Hall
P Joubert
A Nel
U Govender (ODI Debut)

Key Player: Pierre Joubert

28 year old Joubert came from nowhere when he made his debut in both forms of the game in 2006. Joubert went on to become one of the best one day bowlers, and very handy with the bat aswell. The Northerns bowler captured 33 wickets at an average of eighteen, which propelled him to number four in the world rankings.

Key Player: Graeme Smith

The South African had a stinker in 2006, averaging in the low twenties in both forms of the game. With most of the South African batsman averaging poorly (infact Andrew Hall averaging 27 was the highest), the South Africans had to rely on their bowlers for the win. If he can get his team off to good starts, it will go a long way to a South African win.

Unknown Quantity: Ugasen Govender

Govender hails from the Dolphins, and at age 23 looms as the fastest bowler in the country. Following Ntini's demise and the numerous injuries to Mfenuko Ngam, Govender makes his debut after capturing 26 wickets in the SuperSport league last season.

Nation: The Netherlands
Flag:

Coach: Peter Cantrell
ODI World Ranking: 14
Status: ODI Associate Members
Previous World Cups
1996: First round
2003: First round


Side to face South Africa
TN de Grooth (ODI Debut)
JF Kloppenburg
GA Walsh (ODI Debut)
JJ Esmeijer
B Zuiderent
*RN ten Doeschate (ODI Debut)
Amjad Khan (ODI Debut)
HA Brooker (ODI Debut)
DLS Van Bunge
+J Smits
MAK Raja

Key Player: Ryan ten Doeschate

26 year old ten Doeschate will debut as captain, much the same as what happened with Wright of Scotland. The right hander from Essex will have no easy task, coming up against Australia and South Africa, but his average of 64.86 at List A level shows he will not be easy to dismiss (despite the fact there are eight not outs to his name in fifteen innings). A bowler by trade, the South African born ten Doeschate is equally as competant with the ball, and will be a handy contributor to the Dutch.

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[The Mongrel]

Smith and Gibbs pummel poor Dutchmen

Back in form: Graeme Smith put 2006 behind him as he crushed an average Dutch attack on his way to his seventh one day century.

 

[The Mongrel]

Nation: India
Flag:

Coach: Greg Chapell
ODI World Ranking: 6
Status: Full Test & ODI Status
Previous World Cups
1975: Round 1
1979: Round 1
1983: Champions
1987: Semi Finals
1992: Round 1
1996: Semi Finals
1999: Super 6 (6th Place)
2003: Runners Up

Side to face Bermuda
V Sehwag
DS Jadhav
SR Tendulkar
*Yuvraj Singh
G Gambhir
+MS Dhoni
Joginder Sharma
Harbhajan Singh
A Kumble
MM Patel
Gagandeep Singh

Key Player: Virender Sehwag

Big hitting opening batsman Virender Sehwag showed why he is one of the best openers in the world after averaging 45 last season. Just pipped by Yuvraj for the captaincy has Rahul Dravid stepped down as Indian one day captain, but continued to score runs. Hoping that Dheeraj Jadhav is a good enough partner for him in the World Cup, better than his average of 31 last season.

Key Player: Yuvraj Singh

Yuvraj Singh was the shock choice as captain of the Indian one day side, but did not disappoint last season, averaging a handy 41. Didn't perform consistantly however with just for scores over fifty, all converted into big centuries. Consistancy is the key, and if Yuvraj can find it, he will move into the upper echelon of one day players.

Unknown Quantity: Joginder Sharma

Has all the potential to be a class all rounder, but Sharma needs to find form with the bat if he wants to be classed as such. One day average of only 15, but it is his bowling that keeps him in the side, 32 wickets at an average of just 24.

Nation: Bermuda
Flag:

Coach: Gus Logie
ODI World Ranking: 18
Status: ICC Associate Member
Previous World Cups
2007 is their First World Cup

Side to face India
OL Pitcher (ODI Debut)
AB Steede (ODI Debut)
IT Dillon (ODI Debut)
CR Foggo (ODI Debut)
DWO Morgan
DC Borden (ODI Debut)
H Durham
*DM Leverock
AS Keegan (ODI Debut)
+IH Romaine
NB Stafford (ODI Debut)

Key Player: Dwayne Leverock

Bound to be seen as the cult figure of the World Cup, Dwayne ''Sluggo'' Leverock was one of the few players to remain in the qualifying side after contractural disputes forced several members, including captain Clay Smith, out of the World Cup. Normally a left arm orthadox spinner, Leverock will have to turn to medium pace to open the bowling for the Bermudans. 31 FC wickets in five matches puts him in good stead, but how will he fair against the awesome Indian batting order? the 35 year old giant will need to be magical if Bermuda's fairytale run is to continue.

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[The Mongrel]

India destroy minnows but must improve batting

Sehwag magic: Virender Sehwag crunched a glorious 129* as India failed to score over 300 against cricketting minnows Bermuda. Bermuda soon after were rolled for just 58.

 

[The Mongrel]

Nation: England
Flag:

Coach: Duncan Fletcher
ODI World Ranking: 8
Status: Full Test and ODI Status
Previous World Cups
1975: Semi-Finals
1979: Runners up
1983: Semi-Finals
1987: Runners up
1992: Runners up
1996: Quarter-Finals
1999: First round
2003: First round


Side to face Canada
ME Trescothick
AJ Strauss
KP Pietersen
IR Bell
*MP Vaughan
A Flintoff
?MJ Prior
AF Giles
AP Davies
SJ Harmison
RJ Sidebottom

Key Player: Kevin Pietersen

In a year dominated by bowlers, Kevin Pietersen's ODI average of 37 looked awesome, especially at a strike rate of 83. Eight half centuries, but no century, saw his season move him to number seven in the world. His ability to score quick runs from number three will be vital in terms of England's World Cup hopes.

Key Player: Andrew Flintoff

Was poor in the one day game in 2006, but simply spectacular in tests. His one day batting average was just 26, with a high score of 39 and seven not outs. With the ball he was terrible, 25 wickets at an average of 42! His test form however saw him average 45 with the bat and 24 with the ball, so this form is what is needed from Freddie for England to rise to the occasion.

Unknown Quantity: Ryan Sidebottom

The wacky-haired Ryan "Sidey" Sidebottom made a return to the English one day side for nine games in 2006, but only resulted in a disappointing ten wickets at an average of 36. The old saying goes 'you are only as good as your worst player,' and if Sidebottom can replicate some of his Nottinghamshire form, that phrase may be moved onto a lesser player.

Nation: Canada
Flag:

Coach: Andy Pick
ODI World Ranking: 16
Status: Full Test and ODI Status
Previous World Cups
1979: First round
2003: First round


Side to face England
ZE Surkaki (ODI Debut)
MT Dwyer (ODI Debut)
JJO Deakin (ODI Debut)
*HS Dhillon
Q Ali (ODI Debut)
TA Bradley (ODI Debut)
JS Wilcox (ODI Debut)
FEC Bolton (ODI Debut)
?PB Dassanayake
DR Chumney
A Bagai

Key Player: Haninder Dhillon

The captain is one of just four capped players in the Canadian side, Dassanayake yet to represent Canada in ODIs after his appearances for Sri Lanka in the nineties. Handy bowler in a team lacking them, and he will probably open with his medium pacers. Speciallist batsman, but a hard task ahead for the captain, especially with matchwinner John Davidson not available, and several other first choice players.

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[The Mongrel]

KP accounts for Canada despite Surkaki efforts

KP Magic: Kevin Pietersen smashed 93 from 97 in a stunning knock at Beausejour Stadium. He was dismissed by Zubin Surkaki who took 51-5.

EDIT: Yes, I realise the Canadian target is incorrect.