Titan Cup Preview
Well all eyes are seeming to shift towards the Titan Cup which is going to commence at Pune with the first ODI between India and South Africa. This classic series is being replayed with the same teams and the same kits to have the exact feel that it had 9 years ago when the teams created history.
The teams
India: India are the home team and are most probably the underdogs of the tournament. Sachin Tendulkar captains the side after the one off Border Gavaskar trophy victory against Australia. India have inducted Sujith Somasunder, the Karnataka opener and Navjot Sidhu into the squad. The pin up boys, Ganguly and Dravid who revelled on their debut in England are also picked for this ODI series. India have their reliable two pronged pace attack, Srinath and Prasad supported by Kumble and Sunil Joshi.
South Africa: The favorites at the start of this series. South Africa's one day form has been exemplary in recent times and the reasons contributing to it can also be attributed to Cronje's captaincy. This is a brilliant fielding unit and have a great no. of batsmen who can turn the match at any point. And they possess one of the most fearsome fast bowlers in cricket history, Allan Donald who is now nicknamed "The White Lightning"
Australia: The Australians after reaching the final of the 1996 World Cup edition must be itching to play here and get glory. They must surely be disappointed at the defeat they got under the hands of Sri Lanka in the 1996 world cup final and must look to reverse it with a better display here. Taylor leads the squad which boasts of some finely talented players like the Waugh brothers, Ponting, Bevan, Law, Healy, Gilchrist, Mc Grath, Fleming, etc.
The stage is set for the series to begin. The teams are ready for the action. Its now time for us to transport ourselves back to the action way in 1996!