Cricket - World Cup
Teams
Australia - Population: 20,264,082
Current World Cup champions and world-force Australia are without question the team to beat this WC. Grouped in Pool A with South Africa, Scotland and the Netherlands, winning is second nature to the Aussies and the likelihood of them falling short of that in the coming months is beyond belief. A little mishap in the group stages of the ICC Champions Trophy against the West Indies in late 2006 only fuelled their fire even more, making Ricky Ponting's troops ravenous for revenge and subsequent victors in the finals. Their list of accolades achieved goes on forever and even with the retirement of leg-spinning guru Shane Warne and middle-order performer Damien Martyn, the Oz line-up is a formidable sight.
Skipper
Since taking over from Mark Taylor way back when, Ponting has grown into the leader he was tipped to be from the very fetal stages of his career. Wise and clinical, tactical and conniving, 'Punter' at the helm is one of Australia's greatest assets. Coming in at number three once Matthew Hayden and Adam Gilchrist have done the opening damage, Ponting is lethal to say the least.
Key Player
Glenn McGrath, in what will be his Australian swansong, will most certainly be looking to bow out in style. His metronomic accuracy and ability to strike early on in an innings are unsurpassed. But don't be looking for any contribution with the bat from world cricket's leading number eleven rabbit.
One To Watch
Mike Hussey, 'Mr Cricket' himself, Australia's latest Michael Bevan and best innings-finisher in the world today. Expect numerous 50 or 60 not outs from this man as his intense concentration and hunger for runs continue to justify his late entry into international cricket.
Verdict
Be convinced of nothing less of a spot in the final for the mighty men from Down Under.
