First View in the World Cup 2011

Some things that we will for the first time in this World Cup – The ICC Cricket World Cup 2011…

1. Batting Power Play

A very interesting addition to the game, it allows the batting team to choose a segment of 5 overs when only 3 fielders are allowed outside the 30 yard circle. Very useful during high run chases or for recovering from a slow start, it also keeps the fans interested in the game for longer periods of time in the middle overs.

2. Free Hit

The ball after the No Ball is called a free hit – the batsman cannot be out on this ball except for being run out. Charges up the spectators and livens up the game all around the park.

3. UDRS (Umpire Decision Review System)

Each team is allowed to ask for the review of the on field umpire’s call if they are not satisfied with it. The 3rd umpire then, with the aid of super slow motion cameras, various angles, hawk eye etc. takes a decision and relays the message to the on field umpire. Each team is allowed 2 unsuccessful reviews per innings.

I love this UDRS concept and believe that it reduces the pressure on the umpires and also increases the correct decision percentage to almost 100%. I have always wondered why Dhoni and Sachin are against such a wonderful concept…

Any other thing that I have missed here, add them in the comments section!!

Predictions for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 – V

Some big names we may never see playing a World Cup again…

Many cricketers often choose to retire after the World Cup, while for others age becomes a factor and they never play WC’s again. Some players are deserted by form at the wrong time while some injure themselves and never get a chance to represent their country at a WC again…

Some of the most famous and most recognizable faces in international cricket for whom this may be or certainly is the last hurrah are –

1. Sachin Tendulkar (India)

2. Muttiah Murlidaran (Sri Lanka)

3. Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka)

4. Ricky Ponting (Australia)

5. Brett Lee (Australia)

6. Scott Styris (New Zealand)

7. Jacques Kallis (South Africa)

8. Shivnarine Chanderpaul (West Indies)

9. Shoaib Akhtar (Pakistan)

10. Paul Collingwood (England)

Which one of these players will have the glittering trophy in their hands on April 2nd and will walk into the sunset with a huge smile on his face??? It’s anyone’s guess at the moment…

Predictions for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 – IV

My predictions for the 5 players who I think will leave the 2011 World Cup mid way due to injuries…
I think that the following 5 players will walk out of the tournament after injuring themselves, thus also hurting their team, in this World Cup…

Shaun Tait (Australia)

Jesse Ryder (New Zealand)

Zaheer Khan (India)

Umar Gul (Pakistan)

Keven Pietersen (Australia)

The Darkhorse – Virender Sehwag (India)

I have a strong feeling that at least some of these players will leave the players will leave the world cup due to injuries. They all have a history of being injured at wrong times and are very fragile, known to breakdown often!

Do you have any other player in mind??

Predictions for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 – III

My predictions for the top 5 upcoming players of the World Cup 2011…
I think that the following 5 players, though playing in their first ever World Cup will play a very important role for their team.

1. Imran Tahir (South Africa)

2. Angelo Mathews (Sri Lanka)

3. Yousuf Pathan (India)

4. Adrian Barath (West Indies)

5. Jonathon Trott (England)

The Darkhorse – Cameron White (Australia)

These players – all playing their first world cup are rated highly, and can become big names post this edition of the tournament. They have the talent and the mentality to remain calm under tough situations.

So do you agree with my list or are there any other names that crop up in your mind???

Predictions for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 – I

My prediction for the top 5 batsmen of the 2011 World Cup…

I think that the following 5 batsmen will have the maximum effect and will emerge as the leading run scorers in this world cup…

Sachin Tendulkar (India)

Tillakaratne Dilshan (Sri Lanka)

Chris Gayle (West Indies)

Hashim Amla (South Africa)

Shane Watson (Australia)

The Darkhorse – Tamin Iqbal (Bangladesh)

All these batsmen are very attacking and are probably in the best form of their lives. They are all known to score at over a run a ball or close and can easily adapt to different stages of the game.

Do you agree with my list??
Do tell me your favorites…