The unpredictability of the format, lack of clear
favourites, and the frenzy nature of the game all make this World T20 a fascinating
times ahead for the cricket fraternity. The premier competition of the shortest
format has arrived with a thumping win for the hosts against Zimbabwe. Here in
I look into the key players for each of the Top 8 sides in two series.
Australia
This is one
format where the best side of the last decade has never been at home. This time
they have an inexperienced side under George Bailey and will depend a lot on
their experienced top order. The side is brimming with exciting pacers and will
look to win one World title eluding them for long. Their ranking below the
Ireland will surely drive them to come out and prove. Their key performers
would be:
Shane Watson: The
burly allrounder is a cricketer of highest quality and is a complete package.
His form at the top of the order will be the key for them to get god head
starts and his bowling is handy. If Watto fires at the top, expect their middle
order to capitalize.
Glenn Maxwell: The
newbie in the circuit is an exciting prospect and will be inching to make his
name in his first litmus test. His ultra powerful strikes at the lower order
will be as critical as his off breaks in their bowling think tank.
Pat Cummins: The
tall pacer from Down Under will be keen to prove his worth in this format. He
had a sparkling test introduction and has made name as one to be followed. If
he can get a wicket or two at the first six overs, Australians will be better
served.
England
The defending
champions are coming under a new skipper in Broad and miss the biggest name in
their armoury. Pieterson’s absence from the middle order given his powerful
strikes and rich experience in these conditions is a big hole though they want
us to believe the contrary. Yet they do have a decent combination to compete.
Key men for their defence would be:
Eion Morgan: The
Irish man is the only one in their line up capable of replacing KP’s match
winning abilities and he has a good experience in these formats. His role in the
middle order san KP that includes relatively unproven Bairstow and Hales is
likely to be more critical. If they are to proceed beyond the Super eights
Morgan must fire for he is one player who can combat the spin challenge.
Graeme Swann: One of the top notch spinners, Swann has not
made big name in the Asian conditions. But the Englishman will have to make hay
if Poms need to defend their title. His strength is his accuracy and it will be
testes especially by the natural players of spin from Asia.
Stuart Broad: Broad
has come a long way since Yuvraj belted him for six sixes at Durban night in
the first edition. Broad now leads the defending champions and has to play a
major role in driving the side without its talisman in the title win last time.
His bowling needs to fire for all the experience he has. Else the calls for the
comeback of KP are going to grow.
India
The winners
of the First T20 have been underachievers since then. This time the juggernaut
roles at Sri Lanka where they have the most success away from home. With the
conditions being friendly, their batting will be at home. If India’s bowling
can fire, MSD can add one more feather to his crown in October. Key players
will be:
Virat Kohli: The
ODI player of the year award from ICC is right now the hot cake in cricket esp
in coloured clothes and his presence in their middle order is a big boost given
the scratchy form of their openers. If Virat fires, there is going to be no
stopping of the Blues.
Ravichandran Ashwin:
Ashwin is India’s lead spinner since the last world cup. His carom balls will
pose threats to the batsmen and his role is the key point to India’s progress
in the competition. He is also a reliable lower order batsman and has to fire.
Given Dhoni’s reluctance to play 5 bowlers, Ashwin will have to take the lead.
Irfan Pathan: The
younger Pathan’s comeback to the limited overs side has solved a lot of
problems for India. His bowling is finding back its groove and his batting has
added depth to their strong batting order. If he can pull his boots up with a
decent bowling efforts, India’s progress will be lot easier. Given their
fragile bowling attack, Pathan’s role is very critical for Team India.
New Zeland
The perennial
under achievers have managed to pull beyond their weight in the ICC
competitions. Here too they come with a decent team that has given India a
shock in their last T20 game. With the experience of some of their players in
the domestic leagues in the continent, they can be a challenge to the favoured
sides. Key contestants are:
Brendon McCullum:
The hard hitting Kiwi is a proven T20 giant and on his day can send any attack
to gallows as India learnt recently. His form at the top order will drive the
Kiwis towards a staunch total. His form is good coming into the trophy.
Jacob Oram: A
limited over specialist was recently unplayable in SLPL and will be their key
bowler in middle overs. His batting skill is a known entity and if can
accelerate in both his pedigrees, Kiwis could make their opponents sweat.
James Franklin: A
former fast bowler has now graduated into a fine all rounder and he is an
experienced hand in T20s. His street smart batting in the slog is a big
strength to the Kiwis and his bowling as was seen against India last week will
be tough to negotiate. Franklin in their lower middle order will be the key to
me.
...To be continued...
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