Hawkmoon77

OK, we see the pattern now.

Games between associate members : close, exciting and interesting matches played with passion

Games played between test sides : dull, one sided games where the pattern is win toss, bat, go steady before exploding at the death overs. Second inns a non event.

So what teams do the ICC want to remove from next edition....?

ABdV though is a class batsman in any format.

Oakvillian

What will it take to get the ICC to extract their heads from their backsides and see the idiocy of the decision to shrink the world cup? Surely at least a small part of the purpose of this championship is to give the minnows a crack at the big guys (and occasionally throw out an upset or two). To remove almost all of them in favour of yet another go-around of a top teams tournament (isn't there already a biennial one? the Champions Trophy or whatever it's called?) seems ridiculously counterproductive.

Agree on ABdV, too. Have only read a brief match report, but he seems to have laid into the last few overs rather effectively! I don't think I would bet against SA at this point.

Hawkmoon77

Ah...the last of the minnows has been eliminated.

Now we can all settle back to watch the big boys play.

So glad we moved the Ashes for a display like that

Pizzawheel

Can England officially be considered limited overs minnows now? So we can get some of that good old underdog vibe? Maybe we should ban test players from the squad completely.

Hawkmoon77

Now *that* was more like it !

Bad luck AB & South Africa - well played NZ

Pizzawheel

I've been quietly cheering NZ on from the start. It would be great to see them lift the trophy. Favourite has to come from the other semi though.

Hawkmoon77

I'm with you 100% of the way - would love to see the Black Caps lift the trophy.

The way BMc took on Steyn (who admittedly hasn't been at his best this tournament) was astonishing.
Problem is that Oz have Starc, MJ and Hazelwood. Yikes.

Pizzawheel

But they have to get past India first- who are still unbeaten?

Hawkmoon77

That is a fair point. India have been progressing so serenely.

I'd prefer *anyone* but Oz to win (naturally), but I think Dhoni & co are going to have their hands full...

Pizzawheel

Yeah I know what you mean. Only two chances of stopping Oz.

MrHyperPants

Its gonna be a NZ Vs Aus final imo. I'm a kiwi and obviously want NZ to win, but i know those dam aussies will probably win it.

Pizzawheel

That my fear. Still the rest of the world will be cheering for crucket in the final, you can count on that!

Pizzawheel

So an ANZAC final this Sunday. Shame it'll be on outside of bar hours.

MrHyperPants

Here's hoping NZ step up to the plate and beat the bloody Aussies in there own back yard.

Oink

I've been watching this circus for the last month or so and I think I only like test cricket and county cricket with a proper ball. Although I do hope the Kiwis wipe that smug look off the Aussies by beating them by a lot.