The disappointing form of West Indies and Pakistan, plus the complete implosion of SA seemingly robbed the tournament of its competitive edge
SA pacer Lungi Ngidi reacts as NZ's Kane Williamson (right) takes a run in the Kiwis's four-wicket win in Birmingham on Wednesday. Pic/AP/PTI
A World Cup that started out showing promise of being the most open, suddenly appeared to be a closed shop when Bangladesh were submerged by Australia's batting avalanche.
However a Sri Lankan side, beset by a batting unit that featured a spluttering engine and splattering rain drops that favoured their venues, breathed life back into a tournament whose preliminary stages were on life support. The England team, carrying a reputation for batting feasts (albeit with the occasional famine) were upset when they were starved of runs by an inspired Sri Lankan attack.
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Until this Sri Lankan resurgence the prestigious 50-over tournament had appeared to be a battle between just four teams — India, England, Australia and New Zealand — to decide who is the best.
The disappointing form of West Indies and Pakistan plus the complete implosion of South Africa, had seemingly robbed the tournament of its competitive edge. Sri Lanka then changed all that in a low scoring thriller.
It's long been my contention that it's not beneficial for the 50-over game to have huge first innings scores in the same way that Test cricket doesn't profit when the team batting first scores excessively. In both cases this drastically reduces the chance of an enticing contest.
It can be exciting
Sri Lanka's defeat of England was further proof that the 50-over game can be exciting and entertaining without the ball constantly being deposited in the stands by batsmen faced with only a moderate challenge.
Administrators need to give serious thought to how the 50-over game can return to a more even contest between bat and ball.
It's natural that the longer the game the more likely it is that any difference in the ability of the respective teams will be exposed. Hence the popularity of the T20 version as the lesser teams have more chance of staying competitive in a match for longer.
It was no surprise the Big Three — India, Australia and England — as they were dubbed a few years ago when they attempted a financial coup, are in the thick of the fight for the title. Those three teams are the strongest financially and have the best infrastructure. New Zealand are a classic case of a side perennially making the most of what they've got and Sri Lanka, with their strong cricketing tradition, proved once again they are capable of producing a big upset.
India, best balanced team
Of the top four, India appear to be the best balanced. England is prone to inconsistency and perhaps suffers from the pressure of playing at home. Australia is heavily dependent (against the better sides) on David Warner, Aaron Finch and Steve Smith's batting and Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins' bowling. New Zealand lack big names but they do have Kane Williamson and Trent Boult and a mountain of determination.
India is also the best placed to cover for injuries to important players. While Shikhar Dhawan's absence is a blow to India, his opening replacement KL Rahul is very capable and Vijay Shankar's presence adds variety to the bowling.
Australia would be in big trouble if they were to lose one of Starc or Cummins to injury. Despite Sri Lanka's defeat of England the current top four are still likely to contest the semi-finals.
India are favourites to finish on top as they have a reasonably easy remaining draw. Australia and England have some tough matches ahead and the loser of their clash could well occupy fourth spot.
For the tournament's sake it's to be hoped that Sri Lanka's uprising will inspire the West Indies, Pakistan and South Africa to do better. That would whet the appetite for what should be a highly competitive and entertaining knockout stage.
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