Cricket World Cup

The dust now settled on the 2011 Cricket World Cup. The event can be hailed a complete success. Even with the over exuberant efforts of fans applying for tickets and the subsequent heavy-handed approach of the police couldn’t subdue the enthusiasm. The police’s approach though over the top was excusable given the security fears that hung over the tournament.

With the host’s, India victorious the weight of the nation was metaphorically lifted from the shoulders of the Indian squad. With certain individuals bearing the bulk of the weight. The Script for Tendukar to guide India to victory reaching his hundredth hundredth was almost too perfect, alas it wasn’t to be. Instead it was both Gambhir and Dhoni stepped up and satisfied the intense nation’s hopes. With Sri Lanka posting a total of 274, India surpassed that with six wickets remaining, Dhoni topping off a man of match performance dispatching a 6 to win in a manor befitting a schoolboy cricketers dream.

With the Twenty20 format going from strength to strength this tournament certainly demonstrated the need for the 50 over game. With most nations building on the nucleus of their test side the technically gifted cricketers still shone. Twenty20 can focus on the big hitters who too often rely on luck over judgement. Undoubtedly entertaining but potentially risking the quality of ability of future generations. With the 50 over game there is suitably enough time to adopt the patience methodical approach, which undeniably will still require a polished technique. But still with the potential to finish on a knife edge creating that nail biting finale.

With Sky’s involvement the exposure of game is at an all time high. The development of the game in sub-continent was never in doubt. Tendukar is not an Indian superstar he is THE Indian superstar. Kids will always continue to play cricket in India and the surrounding countries. As for the home nations the ECB are thankful to steal the limelight from football or rugby whenever the opportunity presents itself. Of course England need to perform when these windows come along. No-one could argue that England weren’t entertaining in the group stage and they injected some much need life into the early stages of the competition, involved in compelling game’s with Ireland, India and the Windes. The problem being all sporting teams will always be ultimately judged on results. As Arsenal are ridiculed for their lack of trophies despite the attractive football as will England for their entertaining albeit inconsistent style.

We touched on it earlier, the most successful one day sides consist of the best technically gifted players from the test side. England continue to buck this trend by picking powerful county players who perform well domestically. Though I appreciate that playing well needs to be rewarded, surely for the big international tournaments we should be picking the best Cricketers who surely can adjust their style to fit the purpose.