Other Warm-Up Matches

Australia spanked England

New Zealand beat Sri Lanka

Pakistan beat South Africa

Some Observations:

We don't think that Australia solved its bowling problems. Mitchell Johnson and Shane Watson went for a lot of runs. Hogg did manage to bowl well but we don't think he is going to be this consistent in all the games. Stuart Clark bowled himself into the playing eleven and McGrath was steady. The best bowler in the side seems to be Shaun Tait. It will be interesting to see what the Australians will do with Shane Watson.

Panesar bowled exceedingly well but we don't think he is going to see much action in the world cup. Jamie Dalrymple, though a mediocre spinner, will be in the playing eleven because of his batting. England needs some help in the lower order. They have the same problem as Australia - being too top-heavy.

Though Sri Lanka lost, they shouldn't be worrying too much. Their only concern should be Mahela Jayawardene's batting form. With Malinga, Vaas, and Murali, they have a well-rounded bowling attack and can hope to do well in all conditions?

Pakistan looked very good. We are very afraid of Pakistan - especially when everyone discounts it. The way pitches have been playing, spin is going to be a major factor and Pakistan has good spin bowling options. Revamping their batting order might be the best thing they did for the world cup. Younis, Yousuf, and Inzi get the most time in the middle and they still have Shoab Malik and Afridi to shepherd the tail.

South Africa did not look good. Looks like they are struggling on slow and low pitches. Their lack of a good spinner might haunt them throughout the tournament. Their bowling attack is good enough to win against most teams but not Australia.