2011 Cricket World Cup - Who Is Going to Be a Champion?

[kardean]

hello all,
Ever since the retirement of legends like Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, Mathew Hayden and Adam Gilchrist, the Australian team most definitely has lost it's status as an invincible team and now it seems that they too could be beaten if the opponents apply themselves correctly. With the sub continent ready to host yet another edition of the world cup, the 2011 tournament could prove to be a hard fought affair with a number of teams likely to lay their hands on the Gold trophy.
Coming off the back of a dismal Ashes series against the English at home, the Aussies were under immense pressure when they lost Ricky Ponting for the ODIs at home and the media seemed to be battering them at every chance they got. None the less, the weak Aussie side, thanks to some sparks of individual brilliance came back strongly in the ODIs and took the 7 match series 6-1 to prove to the world that they still have what it takes to perform well at the highest level. India, under the supreme leadership of M.S Dhoni and skillful guidance of Gary Kirsten has been consistent performers in the recent years. The fact that they have a tremendous record at home coupled with the fact that this may be Sachin Tendulkars final world cup, the Indians would surely come out all guns blazing and are certainly one of the tournament favorites for the book makers all across the globe.
A world cup trophy still is the biggest dream for South Africa who have ever since their return to cricket from an exile, been the most consistent team in the world of cricket. In recent years, Graeme Smith has been a young inspirational leader who has tried to lead from the front as always. An excellent bowling line up along with a handful of world class performers with the bat South Africa is certainly up there when we think of who the favorites for this years trophy be. Marred by controversy and injuries, Pakistan may seem to have lost the respect it commanded within the cricketing world but it is by the far the most unpredictable side too. A seasoned captain in the form of Shahid Afridi and a successful tour of New Zealand has certainly meant that Pakistan, even with all the difficulties that surround them could surprise every one in the world and could very well come on top once again at 2011 edition of the world cup.
No matter who wins the trophy, one thing is for certain, with the tournament held once every 4 years and since it is going to be the last world cup for many players, every team taking part would make sure that they give in a 100% effort to take away Australia's supremacy and hold the most prestigious trophy, which is every cricketer's dream, in their hands!!

[DRIan]

I think England has a really good chance to win it all.

[Momo09]

Pakistan or sri Lanka will win

[Tomgc]

England may still have an outside chance (I hope)

[Monson]

Now that England beat West Indies they may have a chance