Speaker by Various Artists

Despite their capitulation to the Aussies this morning...

I was picking Sri Lanka too- until this morning. I know you're a lot closer to it, but Aussie don't look too rough- and isn't this the first time the two have met for a while? I know it's not a certain indication, but if someone gave me $50 to put on the most likely team, sentiment aside (sentiment should never, in my opinion, colour one's gambling;-), I've have picked SL yesterday, Aussie today...

Wouldn't it say very little about the World Cup if England go through having beaten the cricketing powers of Kenya, Canada, Ireland, Bangladesh, South Africa (to come) and Bermuda (in the pre-Cup entertainment). Losing to NZ, Australia (twice, again, pre-cup giggles), West Indies (to come), Sri Lanka.

Four definite minnows, one half minnow, and South Africa. Interesting to see how Ireland and Bangladesh making the super 8 series has left the race for 4th as the race between the teams that aren't performing as badly as those other teams that are going to finish 5th and 6th, rather than anything more inspiring.

How can winning 5 games out of 10, put you into the top four in a 16 team competition? Also doesn't say much about South Africa's decisions in games which has left them with a dud run rate.

Rob, don't judge Sri Lanka by this morning. They did not play Vaas, Malinga or Murali. It would be like expecting us to beat anyone decent without Bond, Vettori and Oram. I reckon you should think again about your $50....

Well, it's a theoretical $50! But yeah, they certainly looked great here this summer and while I've only followed intermittantly they haven't really faltered since. I'm a little disappointed about Aussie winning.
And Australia? They didn't exactly play their top team over the summer, but they do seem to be coming together quite nicely. If it's going to be an SL/Aus final, sentimentally I know who I'll be backing. There will be a very loud cheer from somewhere on banks Peninsula if Mr Ponting's wicket goes cheaply!

If it's going to be an SL/Aus final, sentimentally I know who I'll be backing.

Wash out your mouth, turn around three times and spit!

You forgot the letters 'NZ' in that sentence. Wipe out one of the other two.

Ok. If it's going to be an NZ vs Aus or SL final, sentimentally there's no question who I'll be backing!

Paul Nixon, showing guests around his games room: "...and this is the stump from our famous victory over Bangladesh".

It would be like expecting us to beat anyone decent without Bond, Vettori and Oram.

Ahem. Chappell-Hadlee series. Third match?

Admittedly, it wasn't a full-strength Aussie team as well, but still, Australian cricket supposedly has depth.

In terms of the BC's chances ...

I predict we would lose against Australia and Sri Lanka, but beat anyone else who comes our way.

I feel about 90% certain we'll lose our next game against Australia, and any future meeting with that team at the WC.

Our only chance for glory is for someone else to knock the Ozis out in the semis.

Oh come on, some courage please. This is the thrill of being the justifiable underdog. Are we New Zealanders that timid now in the face of a real challenge, as we all hide in the coat-tails of those overpaid playboy rugby players and the monochrome competitive climate they've created?
A few subtle measures will cause those bible-class thugs Hayden and Big Ears to stumble early on. That's the key, get stuck in early to Ponting and that blonde ponce Clarke.

Wot Bingle Said ...

oh dear, another fizzer of a game at this World Cup. A reminder that the English are a very ordinary team. Just how they won the tri-series I really don't know. End of the road for Vaughan?

The aforementioned slinger Guytonbeck lives in Queensland; working at McDonalds I believe.....not sure if he still slings a few down or not.....

Wot Bingle Said too!

NZ's more than capable of winning the Cup, the win against RSA clearly showed that. We're too used to being there or thereabouts and not winning - Australia can come undone when subjected to sustained pressure and are struggling with their bowling line-up and Sri Lanka, as Grant says, can be beaten through early aggression against Murili.

A good allround win against Sri Lanka will give us the confidence to go after the Aussies (many of whom have hardly had a bat in the tournament).

Our track record at the World Cup predicates a loss in the semi-finals.

However I live and hope.

Nevertheless I'm reminded of the adage;

"the race is not always to the swift, nor the battle to the strong. However that's the way to bet"

Hello Grant,

It's John Guytonbeck here, get in touch. end.less.summer@hotmail.com

Cheers john.