ICC World Twenty20 squad
The English squad for the inaugral Twenty20 World Cup was announced today and in time honoured fashion I disagree with it! I posted previously about the ridiculous preliminary squad, and everything I said then stands in my thoughts. We have players in the squad who have done well in domestic cricket, but to succeed at international level you need to have more than a bit of previous experience.
I won’t go on moaning though as I’d be repeating myself from that previous post, and being miserable isn’t much fun either! Come back soon for the next post, and I’ll make it positive next time!
Kent - Twenty20 Champs!
I hope you all took my advice and followed my lead by backing Kent to win the twenty 20 final! Despite looking like it was falling away and needing 13 off the final over they managed to win with a couple of balls spare!
They had some key performances from the players I spoke about in my last post, along with a man of the match performance from quickie Ryan Mclaren who ripped out the heart of the Gloucs middle order with a stunning hat-trick.
Just remember the next time I give you a hot tip and make sure you act on it!
Twenty20 Finals Preview
This Saturday sees the conclusion of the 2007 twenty20 competition with the semi’s and final being played at Edgbaston. Its not been the most classic competition this season with the weather meaning quite a few games weren’t played, and some almost farcical 5 over games being played as well.
Still though, four teams have got through to the finals, and they are (in no particular order) Lancashire, Kent, Gloucestershire and Sussex. Here’s a brief preview of the semi’s and my tip to win!
First Semi Final - Lancashire Lightning v Gloucestershire Gladiators
Lancashire are currently favourites to win the competition, and when you see some of their players you see why the bookies have given them that status. They have James Anderson back in, and Freddie should be playing (although maybe just as a batsman), along with players such as Brad Hodge, Mal Loye and Stuart Law and the wizard Murali. I’m not convinced though, as they have often flattered to deceive and I’m unconvinced about the inclusion of Freddie. There is no doubt that they have the talent, but whether it all comes together is a big question.
Gloucestershire are the big outsiders at the moment, and they lack the household names in the squad which get the media excited. They do have the New Zealand pair of Craig Spearman and Hamish Marshall with the bat, and John Lewis with the ball, but take them away and there isn’t much left. They probably like being the underdogs though as they go in with no pressure and can just go out there and give it a biff!
First Semi Prediction - Lancashire Win
Second Semi Final - Kent Spitfires v Sussex Sharks
This should be an intriguing game, not least for the fact that Kent have just signed the Sri Lankan pace bowler Malinga for three weeks, starting on Saturday. He could be a real star in this game, as he comes in for Andrew Hall who has to go back to South Africa. Denly has been in real form with the bat recently for Kent, and if you add in Key, van Jaarsveld, and Geraint Jones, they look like a decent unit. I saw them get a draw in a match against Hampshire this year and Key showed then a bit of thought in captaincy when it comes to this game, so I think they could do well.
Sussex have Matt Prior back in behind the stumps for this game, and he will also open up the batting as well. Murray Goodwin and Chris Adams will probably provide the bulk of the runs, but if Rana Naved gets in expect to see some boundaries to be hit! They also have the wicket machine that is Mushtaq Ahmed, who as always has been taking wickets for fun again this year. With him and Rana Naved they’ve got a some real experience which may see them through.
The second semi is much tougher to call than the first, but:
Second Semi Prediction - Kent Win
FinalÂ
Now I may have got those two predictions horribly wrong (I probably have!), but the final is I hope good viewing. I’ll have to sky+ it though as i’ll be out playing cricket (or in the pub!). Who will win it? Its difficult to say without knowing the teams in the final but where is the fun in sitting on the fence. I’m going to stick my neck out here and say Kent to win. I think the signing of Malinga might be the boost that the rest of the players need to up their game, and I think they can do it. Right, i’m off to the bookies!
