Castle of Indolence

One of the most repeated phrases regarding stock market prediction is that "nobody knows nothing".And as the World Cup widely predicted to be the 'most open ever' turned into the most lopsided one ever, the quote clearly applies to crystal-gazing in cricket as well. I'm placing the blame for these mismathces squarely on the shoulders of the Kiwis and England. The only way the rest of the world had a chance of beating the Aussies was through a combination of Aussie complacency and that wonderful concept "the law of averages". By beating the Kangaroos five times in a row in inconsequential tournaments, they were virtually handing the WC to the Aussies. If there's one thing more formidable than an Aussie team, it'a an Aussie team with a point to prove.

I think it's staggering that in 4 world Cups (nearly 40 matches), McGrath has needed to face only 5 balls. That's some serious domination we are talking about.

Btw, did the dark stripe along the sides of Australian uniform remind anyone else of Uma Thurman's Kill Bill outfit?

For me, the highlight of the world Cup was Ranjit Fernando's by-now-legendary commentary during the Eng-SL match. The situation: 4 runs to win, 1 ball to go. Dilhara bowling to Ravi Bopara. And dear Ranjit comes up with this "and he's in...oh it's gone for four! Bopara! (long pause) Oh he's bowled, he's bowled. (sound of Hussain laughing in background) I thought it got the bat and went for four. What a finish this has been. "