Last week, a Fedex packet arrived at home for me- it contained 8 Cricket World Cup tickets. To say I was thrilled was an understatement. Before the tickets arrived, I was wondering whether I should go; after I saw them, there was no question, especially as my wife backed me all the way. Since that night, I have been like a small kid- looking at those tickets again and again, checking for flights to Antigua, checking out the right hotel to stay in, checking out restaurants, reading up on Antigua, checking out the maps to see exactly where it is- its been wonderful and I just cant wait...
Its been four years since the last one, and four years since India lost the finals to Australia, something we would be out to avenge this year. The fact that Australia have been the most dominant team in the interim doesnt matter, they have lost five of the last six games they have played and they have given everyone a lot of cheer. One perpetually strong team that has always choked under pressure in the World Cup have been South Africa. I would love to see them in the Finals- and for India to beat them of course. Australia's recent slump has thrown the World Cup wide open- and thats what would make it fun. Pakistan has a strong, but mercurial side, Sri Lanka can beat anyone on its day, New Zealand and England have both beaten Australia recently, South Africa have been beaten both India and Pakistan in recent series- it just seems like nobody is a real favorite going into the cup. Based on current form though, South Africa have a slight edge over the rest. Despite India's unpredictable performances, I am a strong India backer- its a balanced side, good blend between maturity and youth and in Rahul Dravid, we have a terrific leader who can take us through the roughest times. Just a matter of hitting our stride in the next couple of months.
Whatever happens, here are my hope. I hope Australia does not win the third time around. There is much to be admired about that team, but continuous dominance by one team is never good for the sport at large- it makes for boring viewing plain and simple. I would back any underdog ahead of Australia and no surprise I would back India. (wonder why.....huh..) I also sincerely hope that all the logistics work out just right- enough has been said about logistical nightmares in the Carribean but I have enough faith that it will all work out...just like my tickets to Antigua!! May the best team win...(and did I mention that the best I think is India....)
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