- Even odds: It’s the most open world-cup ever; you could draw up a reasonable case for any of 8 teams winning it. You got to thank the Australians for it, though. Just a few months back they were threatening to make it the most one sided cup ever – but after succumbing to injuries and letting West Indies, New Zealand and even England smell blood, they are looking very vulnerable. So expect a lot of close matches and teams squeaking through various stages.
- The pitches: Forget talk of the Caribbean pitches being slow and low – on the evidence of the practice matches and the inaugural game these look like being the fairest wickets we have seen since the Australia World Cup. Some assistance for the pace bowlers with the new ball; some turn available for the tweakers and good value for the batsmen willing to take their time to get set before opening their shoulders.
- The Grounds: rather, the sizes of the grounds. Expect to see a lot of boundaries during the power plays and the slog overs.
- The Grounds: the locations – where can you get better setting for matches? The beaches, the hills, the breeze and the mounds.
- The West Indies: The land of rum, reggae and ravishing beauties. Where you get the most appreciative cricket fans. A place that parties for no reason.
- The swansongs: This is the last world-cup for some of the finest players of our generation – Tendulkar, Lara, Inzamam, McGrath, Kumble. They will all want to bow out in style.
- The timings: How much better can it get – get home after work and spend the evening watching the match
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