SA, Aus in race with India for title

The excitement that surrounds a World Cup is unique. Every cricketer lives to showcase his skill at the highest level and no bigger stage than this, where the entire world will be watching. My money will be on India, Australia and South Africa in a format where picking a winner can be a hazardous task. India have had a wonderful time in the last two months, jelling into a combative unit. However questions remain over their handling of bowling. When the wicket is true and the bowling not threatening, the toporder has looked unstoppable but they have struggled when examined hard. The Indians will be up against better attacks and will have to find a way to SA, Aus in race with India for title negate those tough periods in play. As far as the conditions go, there is not too much of an advantage these days, especially in T20. Most of the top players in South Africa and Australia are regulars at the IPL and know the conditions well. That South Africa have choked at many international events is well documented but one cannot write them off . They adapt to Indian conditions better than any other visiting team. The recent limited overs series’ in India was a case in point. They beat India convincingly in the T20s and they will be a tough nut to crack in the World Cup as well. One can never count Australia out. They are an aggressive unit. Their bowlers might find the going tough. Their batting and fielding though more than makes up for it. The fact this is the only global event they have not won should steel them more. I have always believed in a tough opening clash in a big event. New Zealand is highly competitive side and I am sure they will be at their best against India. The hosts on the other hand will have a lot more to take home than mere points from the opener.