So England have started their warm up with a five wicket defeat against Australia, slumping to 197 all out after being 122 for 1 at one stage :mad: whilst the West Indies were struggling badly at 62 for 8 and 84 for 9 against India. The World Cup proper gets underway next week, starting off with West Indies v Pakistan - so what are England's prospects, and who will win it? We shall fiind out.

In would like England to win but I cannot see it happening. We may have beaten the aussies the other week but we were very very poor before that.
I think india will win it

I agree, i think Inda are a good bet.

i,ll go for the aussies, they always perform when there on the big stage watch out for big things from new zealand aswell.

Someone should add a poll on who's going to win. :)

South Africa for me. Although that may just be my heart talking. Their batting is a slight concern, but they have the best one-day bowling attack in the world at the moment.

Australia will do well and probably make the final.

I can't see England doing it. They're nowhere near consistent enough.

My heart says England, but my money says India. 9/1 still around for them. Thats a cracking bet.

Jim:thumbsup:

To be fair england will probably go on and win the bloody thing, as no one expects much from them , wouldn,t that make it a nice summer if they did go on and lift the trophy.
U never know u never know lol

anyone knows of a pub with live telecast of the games ?

I think India will win too, and they're being backed to do it too. 7/1 is the best price I can find.

W.Indies 126/3 from 34 overs. Steady, but not spectacular.

so what are England's prospects, and who will win it? We shall fiind out.

Englands prospects = absolutley none

I fancy Australia to do it, but a dark horse could be Bermuda or Sri Lanka

Bit of a slow start to be fair west indies arnt that much are they.

Englands prospects = absolutley none

I fancy Australia to do it, but a dark horse could be Bermuda or Sri Lanka

I'll lay you 50000/1 on Bermuda, mate; you can only get 5000/1 at the bookies ........ as much as you want ;)

Well Looks like WI have won the opener. Pakistan need another 100 from 9 overs with 3 wickets left. Im devasted by the way, Just got Sky but only opted for basic package what was I thinking? :loopy: :help:

Well Looks like WI have won the opener. Pakistan need another 100 from 9 overs with 3 wickets left. Im devasted by the way, Just got Sky but only opted for basic package what was I thinking? :loopy: :help:

Your missing it m8 ring them and change to sky sports have u heard about the power plays yet?

I'll lay you 50000/1 on Bermuda, mate; you can only get 5000/1 at the bookies ........ as much as you want ;)

What odds would you give me on Bermudas spinner having a heart attack mid over??

What odds would you give me on Bermudas spinner having a heart attack mid over??

You rotten bugger :hihi: I love this quote from Cricinfo about Bermuda ......

Fitness problems continue to pervade their image, and performances

But they've had a massive investment, and it is a tiny place.

Original cricinfo story here (http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/wc2007/content/story/282385.html)

Jimmy Anderson has broken a finger and could be out

World cup has become an absolute farce now IMO. Too many minnows, too many games which all leads to too many meaningless matches.

They should have the "big 8" and have the other lot lay in some kind of qualification tournament beforehand, meaning the WC would just be 10 teams.

This Ireland game is a close finish. 9 from 11 ball and 2 wickets left.

Zimbabwe have lost a wicket so 9 runs off the final over and one wicket left.

Bloody hell, 2 dropped catches in the last over and Ireland get a tie

Shows partly how far Ireland have come in the last few years, but more so, what a joke Zimbabwean cricket is.

It's not their fault, with the politics and all, but those poor guys are on a hiding to nothing. I can see their status being completely suspended soon.

should be a good day heres hoping come on ENGLAND!!!!!!!!!!!!!

should be a good day heres hoping come on ENGLAND!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's one of the rare occassions I get to support two sides! A good start for England is vital ........ BRING IT ON!!!!

Can,t wait to be on a friday all day makes it even sweeter lol

Oh dear, England vs New Zealand

England are 162-7 from 45 overs.

This isnt looking good at all

Jesus(TM). 4/9 in 3 overs there. Utterly destroyed the middle order.

Deep joy.

159/7

Oh dear, 209-7 doesnt look good, afer 50 overs

Even Ireland managed more runs than we did

Oh dear, 209-7 doesnt look good, afer 50 overs

Even Ireland managed more runs than we did

OI! Leave my mob alone! :hihi: :hihi: :hihi:

34 from the last 18 balls is a big help though. If Plunkett and Anderson can do some early damage, then it could get interesting ....... if ........

3/2 and an outstanding catch from Freddie!

OH YES! OH YES! Fleming gone and it's 19/3, and it REALLY is game on now!

Its looking a little dodgy now though , the quicker they get styris out the better.

Its looking a little dodgy now though , the quicker they get styris out the better.

Yes 72-3 and settling down nicely now, still plenty of overs left for them.

South Africa are posting a massive score against the mighty Holland, lol

yes just been looking its like man utd v barnet mind lol

197-4 with 11 over left to get 13 runs, that about 1 run a over.

A walk in the park for New Zealand, lets hope we have better luck against Kenya and canada.

Wel they done it with 9 overs to spare.

Well, you have to say it was a case of being humped by the better side on the day. No excuses there. Quote of the match for me is this, from the BBC ball by ball ......

From Dave Ody, TMS inbox: "Had to compromise with the other half... switching between cricket and American Idol..... Awful painful noises from people bereft of talent. So have now switched over to American Idol."

They were bloody dire some of the mistakes they made were at critical times, they need some catching practice aswell.

They were bloody dire some of the mistakes they made were at critical times, they need some catching practice aswell.

As do Ireland, given the last over yesterday. It's more the two 'extra' points in the Super 8 that could be the damage after that result though.

Well it was predictable, but at least thats the toughest group match out of the way. We should still easily qualify for the super 8, but as always with england i won't be putting any money on it.

So what bout Gibbs six sixes, thats some achievement.

Well it was predictable, but at least thats the toughest group match out of the way. We should still easily qualify for the super 8, but as always with england i won't be putting any money on it.

So what bout Gibbs six sixes, thats some achievement.

Against Holland isn't quite the same as when SGS did it, but you still have to hit them .........

Whenever I hear about consecutive 6's, I can only ever think of Kapil Dev and Eddie Hemmings. Granted it wasn't 6 of them, but ........ still makes me open the whisky ..........

Against Holland isn't quite the same as when SGS did it, but you still have to hit them .........

Whenever I hear about consecutive 6's, I can only ever think of Kapil Dev and Eddie Hemmings. Granted it wasn't 6 of them, but ........ still makes me open the whisky ..........


So true, SGS was in a different league, but like you said they still need to be hit.

Open the whisky, now there's an idea.........

So true, SGS was in a different league, but like you said they still need to be hit.

Open the whisky, now there's an idea.........

Good man! A decent whisky's required after that performance .......

C'mon the Proteas!

'Kay, maybe Gibbs shouldn't be playing international cricket, but I'm not complaining.

Well India not set a big score against Bangladesh, 179-9 with a few overs left. :o

Pakistan are in trouble as well 106-8 against Ireland :o :o :o

Hahahah..seems like a day for upsets. I am just wondering where i can catch the INDIA games live. I bet not today since most pubs would be playing the rugby.. :)

vince

Hahahah..seems like a day for upsets. I am just wondering where i can catch the INDIA games live. I bet not today since most pubs would be playing the rugby.. :)

vince

India are all out for 191, they didnt even last 50 overs.

i think i will just wait for the Formula1 in melbourne to start then.. :D

pakistan all out for 132.

Go Ireland:thumbsup:

Botha given out for 0 - a most appalling decision. An appeal for LBW - ball pitched outside leg stump - a fielder claimed the catch and the bat was miles away from the ball, the ball had hit the outside of the pad. At 71-4, that rank decision could be yet crucial. Officials:huh:

BANGLADESH have beaten India. Ireland hoping for rain and a Duckworth Lewis intervention as the light is dreadful! They went off but not for long such that the revised target is 128. 81-4 after 28 overs, 19 to go and hopes with Niall O'Brien.

In the end, it was Kevin O'Brien who saw them through to a three wicket win.

Without doubt bigest shock ever in Cricket, Pakistan are sent home.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/6457689.stm

So it did happen.

Irish Cricket Union - let's avoid Irish jokes and have (K'OBrien's) sic, name on shirt corrected!

More indiscipline in English camp!

http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/iccexclusive009.shtml

Well that was i bit to close for comfort.

Hahahah..seems like a day for upsets. I am just wondering where i can catch the INDIA games live. I bet not today since most pubs would be playing the rugby.. :)

vince

I know I keep banging on about this site, but www.myp2p.eu is your legal friend. Most of the World Cup matches have been on there, if not all, and it's all legal.

Botha given out for 0 - a most appalling decision. An appeal for LBW - ball pitched outside leg stump - a fielder claimed the catch and the bat was miles away from the ball, the ball had hit the outside of the pad. At 71-4, that rank decision could be yet crucial. Officials:huh:

I have to say, that was the most appalling decision I have ever seen. The ball must have been a foot away from glove or bat.

BANGLADESH have beaten India. Ireland hoping for rain and a Duckworth Lewis intervention as the light is dreadful! They went off but not for long such that the revised target is 128. 81-4 after 28 overs, 19 to go and hopes with Niall O'Brien.

In the end, it was Kevin O'Brien who saw them through to a three wicket win.

With a six off the last ball, D/L technically wasn't needed ;) . A tremendous performance by Ireland, and a truly pathetic one from Pakistan. It should be noted that in Pakistan's feeble 132, 23 were wides.

It is, of course, terribly sad to note that that was Bob Woolmer's last involvement in cricket.

He didn't deserve that.

Well that was i bit to close for comfort.

When it got to 7 an over, I knew England were clear. Though there were some lovely strikes for boundaries. Two perfect square cuts and one six to long off stick in the mind in particular from Canada.

I am now worried about us playing Kenya now. We SHOULD go through, but.............

I am now worried about us playing Kenya now. We SHOULD go through, but.............

There will be a different feel to the bowling with Freddie back, and even more so as he has lost the V/C. I honestly feel he's not V/C material, let alone captain, rather like Beefy. Let him concentrate on bowling and batting, during the day. Whatever else-ing in the night is something for the management to sort out.

Kenya won't be a problem.

[QUOTE=CHAIRBOY;2058032]More indiscipline in English camp!



No surprise (they needed rescuing from the water).

They've been all at sea for the last eight months.

More indiscipline in English camp!

No surprise.

They've been all at sea for the last eight months.

Ba dum, tish!

Well there you go. The highest World Cup score ever. India reach 413/5 v Bermuda.

Well there you go. The highest World Cup score ever. India reach 413/5 v Bermuda.

I am at a loss why Bermuda are even there, they are utter crap.

I am at a loss why Bermuda are even there, they are utter crap.

Because they're rich.

Who Will Win The Cricket World Cup 2007 ??

The thread is here

http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=194817

Who Will Win The Cricket World Cup 2007 ??

Welcome to the forum! I think it's Australia's to throw away, now that Pakistan are out, and India 'could' be heading out.

Welcome to the forum! I think it's Australia's to throw away, now that Pakistan are out, and India 'could' be heading out.No chance for South Africa then?

None at all...? :(

Who Will Win The Cricket World Cup 2007 ??

Australia have been very impressive, although not really tested.

I have a funny feelin in my bones for West Indies. :)

Wouldnt it be amazing if Ireland won. :thumbsup:

No chance for South Africa then?

None at all...? :(

Second favs in my book .......

Australia have been very impressive, although not really tested.

I have a funny feelin in my bones for West Indies. :)

Wouldnt it be amazing if Ireland won. :thumbsup:

Completely agree about Australia in that they've not been tested, but they have the best profile, for me.

The Windies are still a bit transitional, and too temperamental for me to tip up, but if they got their act together, they could have a squeak.

And as for Ireland, if we won, I'd be drunk for a decade. But this time with a reason ;)

i think westindies have a chance to win world cup 2007

Well South Africa struggled in their match against Scotland, only just won with 26.4 overs to spare, lol.......

There are some incredible one sided games in this world cup. :)

Well South Africa struggled in their match against Scotland, only just won with 26.4 overs to spare, lol.......

There are some incredible one sided games in this world cup. :)

It's all experience though. 20 years ago, in football, if Turkey weren't despatched by 4 at least , it would have been seen as a defeat. I remember watching the '84 qualifiers, and seeing a pretty average England side win 5-0 away, and 8-0 at home to them. They're much different now. Cyprus (ignoring my lot's abject performance away to them :mad: ), Luxembourg, even Malta, can go close sometimes. Without 20, or 30 years of gaining experience, the game wouldn't flourish.

It's even more conspicuous in cricket, given the paucity of playing nations. I can't disagree though, there are some major one sided matches.

I am at a loss why Bermuda are even there, they are utter crap.

Bermuda are in the World Cup to provide entertainment like this.

The Flying Bermudan (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdA0UPhrfBk)

There's hope for me yet! Dwayne Leverock is my hero :D

It's all experience though. 20 years ago, in football, if Turkey weren't despatched by 4 at least , it would have been seen as a defeat. I remember watching the '84 qualifiers, and seeing a pretty average England side win 5-0 away, and 8-0 at home to them. They're much different now. Cyprus (ignoring my lot's abject performance away to them :mad: ), Luxembourg, even Malta, can go close sometimes. Without 20, or 30 years of gaining experience, the game wouldn't flourish.Indeed. One can look at rugby union as well, and the improvement of the likes of Italy and Argentina in the last ten or so years.

Zimbabwe had a half-decent side a few years back, before the country's political problems started impinging on their game. And Bangladesh can't be considered pushovers any more.

Hell, the Sri Lankans haven't been around for that long. And look at them now.

Well another close game today, we do seem to be getting a few recently.

Netherlands just beat Scotland with only 26.1 overs to spare ........ phew that was close, lol :o

Canada have set off at a fast pace against New Zealand, 90-1 off 12 overs, thats over 7 runs an over, although they do need it to chase N/Zealand`s small score of 363-5.

Well another close game today, we do seem to be getting a few recently.

Netherlands just beat Scotland with only 26.1 overs to spare ........ phew that was close, lol :o

Canada have set off at a fast pace against New Zealand, 90-1 off 12 overs, thats over 7 runs an over, although they do need it to chase N/Zealand`s small score of 363-5.

Lmfao m8 it has turned into a mad world cup so far yes "quality post".....

I prefer the next stage when the big ones are left in it, its looking like :

South Africa, Australia, Sri Lanka, India, New Zealand, West Indies, England and Ireland.

The fun starts then.

its wicked seeing the houses on the hills behind the grounds, they look like there about to fall down at any time lol.

I prefer the next stage when the big ones are left in it, its looking like :

South Africa, Australia, Sri Lanka, India, New Zealand, West Indies, England and Ireland.

The fun starts then.Bangladesh, I reckon.

Bangladesh, I reckon.

Yes I overlooked the fact that Bangladesh play Bermuda, which should be a easy win. All over in 10 overs I feel :)

Sri Lanka take on India which is a different story.

Yes I overlooked the fact that Bangladesh play Bermuda, which should be a easy win. All over in 10 overs I feel :)

Sri Lanka take on India which is a different story.

I fancy Bangladesh to sneak through at India's expense. I wonder if we might see a bit of a batting display in the Sri Lanka v India match?

I wonder if we might see a bit of a batting display in the Sri Lanka v India match?


I certainly hope so, should be a great game. I quite fancy Sri Lanka to take it.

Yes I overlooked the fact that Bangladesh play Bermuda, which should be a easy win. All over in 10 overs I feel :)

Sri Lanka take on India which is a different story.I'm looking forward to the highlights tonight, should be the best game of the world cup so far (Zimbabwe - Ireland acknowledged). I'm avoiding all news of the score especially.

Well we are down to the last 8 : Australia, South Africa, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, England, Ireland, West Indies and New Zealand

So who do you think will finsh where, my choices would be:

1st - Australia
2nd - South Africa
3rd - New Zealand
4th - Sri lanka
5th - West Indies
6th - England
7th - Bangladesh
8th - Ireland

Australia to win it and meeting either Sri Lanka or England in the final

I think Aussies will meet the Black caps in the final.. And the MIBs will be showering in champagne after..

Well we are down to the last 8 : Australia, South Africa, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, England, Ireland, West Indies and New Zealand

So who do you think will finsh where, my choices would be:

1st - Australia
2nd - South Africa
3rd - New Zealand
4th - Sri lanka
5th - West Indies
6th - England
7th - Bangladesh
8th - Ireland

I think I pretty much agree with this. It'd be great to get two semi finals and a final with 300+ run chases.

Lasith Malinga 4 out in 4 balls top bowling.

heres the 4 wickets
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wJ0xpvFQBw

23 for 2 against Ireland

England are crap if pieterson goes out then there in the xxxx
45-2

89-3 ian bell was slightly unlucky there.

89 for 3 Bell out to a dodgy decision

KP out, 113 for 4, nearly as bad as the ashes

They have steaded the ship a little but it looks like ireland could be chasing a catchable score.

It's a very slow wicket, and Ireland are struggling for runs. The reqired rate is now 9, and quite a few left, so England should be more than safe.

133/4 with 15 overs remaining.

164 for 6, might be a bit too much, 10 an over ish

Slight chances now the quickies are back on such a slow wicket, but surely at around 12 an over England are safe?

They are now, bugger

Sri Lanka's bowling coach vehemently denies there is anything wrong with Malinga's action

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/graphics/2007/04/02/wukiran102.jpg



whilst the Australians reveal what makes Andrew Symonds tick

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/04/02/waus02.xml

Sri Lanka's bowling coach vehemently denies there is anything wrong with Malinga's action

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/graphics/2007/04/02/wukiran102.jpg

whilst the Australians reveal what makes Andrew Symonds tick

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/04/02/waus02.xml

<fx: sniggers>

You've been watching too much HIGNFY ....... ;)

I love cricket but at the moment this world cup is starting to wear me out, We are not even half way through yet. The lack of crowds and atmosphere is ruining the world cup

England are doing ok against Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka 235 ao. Quite a gettable score. They seemed a little out of sorts, batting wise.

England fielding sounded pretty good for the most part

Vaughan out, here we go

England fielding sounded pretty good for the most part

Yes, they played well.

Vaughan out, here we go

50 partnership; ship steadied. Shot selection is the key here; the required rate is quite small. I was worried about the slow start though.

Getting a bit dodgy now. England 133 for 4, and everything rests on Flintoff and Collingwood.

Getting even dodgier. Flintoff's out, now 5 down.

What the hell's happening. England 133 for 6, Collingwood out now.

England 141 for 6, need 95 off 14 overs - almost 7 an over.

87 needed off 12 overs - asking rate now 7.25 runs per over. And the main problem is wickets.

81 now needed off 11 overs.

77 needed off the last 10 overs. Getting very interesting now.

So I nip out for a couple of hours and i come back to this. Not good

74 needed off the last 9 overs.

I'm afraid the aritmetic is looking to be against England. Still 71 needed off the last 8 overs.:mad:

66 still needed off 7 overs :mad:

59 needed off 6 overs :mad:

49 needed off 5 overs

10 an over now

39 needed off 4 overs - is it still possible?

I've seen it done before but i'm not convinced these 2 can do it

32 needed off 3 overs.

19 from 12. This can be done

Suddenly England have a chance. 19 needed off the last 2 overs.

Still need 17 off 9 balls

16 off 7 balls

16 needed off 8 balls

7 down now. probably need 16 off the last over.

12 of the last over

11 off 5 balls

7 off 4 balls

5 off 3 balls

3 to win off the last ball

4 needed off the last 2 balls

bugger, bugger, bugger, bugger, bugger, bugger, bugger, bugger, bugger, bugger, bugger, bugger, bugger, bugger, bugger, bugger, bugger, bugger, bugger, bugger, bugger, bugger, bugger, bugger, bugger, bugger, bugger, bugger, bugger, bugger, bugger, bugger, bugger, bugger, bugger, bugger, bugger, bugger, bugger, bugger, bugger, bugger, bugger, bugger, bugger, bugger, bugger, bugger, bugger, bugger, bugger, bugger, bugger, bugger, bugger, bugger, bugger, ect

Still one of the few games that has been entertaining up to now.
Bring on the aussies

Oh dear. Lost by 2 runs. 233 for 8 off 50 overs :mad:

That is the best England have played in a World Cup match since 1992.

As far as I recall it is the first time since then that we have played a half decent team and not been slaughtered.

That is the best England have played in a World Cup match since 1992.

As far as I recall it is the first time since then that we have played a half decent team and not been slaughtered.

Oooh, that's harsh ........ yet disappointing once again .......

Oooh, that's harsh ........ yet disappointing once again .......

It was a statement of fact.....

Did you see Nixon's reverse sweep that went for six? Best shot I've ever seen.

England are in a decent position so far today.

Let's hope they don't throw it away like they did in the last match.

We should never have lost that game.

It looks to me as though they've let slip that promising position. Vaughan's batting is a joke. Four of his five came off the edge! Not been in any sort of form since Australia 2002/03. Pietersen is now out (104) with eight balls to go.

They should have been well over 300 on this wicket.

The score does look like it will be at least 30 short.

We won't know until Australia start batting, but we have struggled to bowl teams out this World Cup.

And so they cruise to victory, although two awful LBW decisions didn't help the cause.

Christ we are struggling to beat Bangladesh.

The crazy thing is that 3 freak results and England could win this tournament.

It happened in the last triangular tournament we played.

The crazy thing is that 3 freak results and England could win this tournament.

It happened in the last triangular tournament we played.

That's what one-day cricket can throw up!

Yeah it can happen, but the format of the tournament is designed to get the best teams into the last 4. If India and Pakistan had qualified for the Super 8 I think it would have been virtually impossible for England to get to the semis. OK its still pretty unlikely England will qualify because we have to beat South Africa.....

And so it looks like it's come to my nightmare scenario - England play South Africa for a place in the last 4. I have to support the Proteas, but it'll be bittersweet if we win.

And so it looks like it's come to my nightmare scenario - England play South Africa for a place in the last 4. I have to support the Proteas, but it'll be bittersweet if we win.

I wouldn't feel guilty. England have been consistently the worst of the supposed top teams in ODIs for the last 8 years or so and it would be scandalous if they reached the semis!

Ireland's predictable crumble against Australia (yet another one-day non-event) means that my Sky can go to The Hawthorns for tonight's match!

England v South Africa today. 11 for 1 after 8 overs.

Looks all over at this rate. Another 4 year wait to see if England can beat someone ever at One Day Cricket.

You've got to laugh....

37 for 2 Vaughn out

Disaster. England 53 for 3. Pietersen out.

I was thinking about taking my digital radio to the pub later so I could watch the Blades match and listen to the Cricket but i don't think it will be worth it.

154 all out, and didn`t even get to 50 overs

what a joke England are, shows they are not world class at the moment.

154 all out, and didn`t even get to 50 overs

what a joke England are, shows they are not world class at the moment.


Time they dropped Vaughan. Apart from the fact he is a pig fan, his one day scores are crap. No one day century in nearly ninety innings. A good captain yes, but not worth his place in the team as a batsman

I still think Vaughan might be carrying the remnants of his injury. He was rushed back from injury too quickly for my liking.

Ireland's predictable crumble against Australia (yet another one-day non-event) means that my Sky can go to The Hawthorns for tonight's match!

Talking of one day non-events, which nation have had the most?

Perhaps it's a good job Bangladesh and Ireland beat India and Pakistan respectively, or Engalnd would have ended up on Nil Point!

South Africa are 106-1 from 12 overs.

This is as one sided as the Ireland vs Australia match

South Africa now 136 for 1 after 17 overs.

England have now lost by 9 wickets.:mad: South Africa 157-1 and England leave the field to a chorus of boos (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/6561737.stm).

They think its all over.....it is now!
Well done England, another disastrous failure. Perhaps someone should try and dry Freddie off the booze, together with all our alcholic sportsmen. He may one day fulfill the potential he undoubtedly has.

They think its all over.....it is now!
Well done England, another disastrous failure. Perhaps someone should try and dry Freddie off the booze, together with all our alcholic sportsmen. He may one day fulfill the potential he undoubtedly has.

Pity the only splash Flintoff made in this World Cup was when he fell off a pedalo.

Why is it that England seem to have identical records in the World Cup in both cricket and football. Only as far as the last eight in last years' Football World Cup, and now only as far as the last eight in the Cricket World Cup.:mad: It seems to be because we have a culture of accepting failure on the sporting field in a way no other country would. Imagine if Italy had been eliminated from the World Cup in the early stages last year. Their team would have been roasted by their press and pelted with tomatoes on their return from Germany, whilst Australia's cricketers would get slaughtered by their press had they been eliminated at the same stage as England. Indeed, they might get roasted by their media if they don't win this World Cup.

They both have a similar level of ability, mediocre. Neither have the will to win, or they wouldn`t spend so much time in nightclubs drinking to excess, which degrades their levels of ability and fitness. Its the English disease I`m afraid, and until it is confronted we will lose again and again.

http://www.sportinglife.com/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=cricket/07/04/17/manual_141246.html

Why is it that England seem to have identical records in the World Cup in both cricket and football. Only as far as the last eight in last years' Football World Cup, and now only as far as the last eight in the Cricket World Cup.:mad: It seems to be because we have a culture of accepting failure on the sporting field in a way no other country would. Imagine if Italy had been eliminated from the World Cup in the early stages last year. Their team would have been roasted by their press and pelted with tomatoes on their return from Germany, whilst Australia's cricketers would get slaughtered by their press had they been eliminated at the same stage as England. Indeed, they might get roasted by their media if they don't win this World Cup.

If you honestly think that reaching the last 8 of a football World Cup is comparable to this miserable performance in cricket, then you have no idea about sport whatsoever.

Reaching the quarter finals of the football World Cup is a tremendous achievement; being utterly humiliated in this tourney is a different world.

They both have a similar level of ability, mediocre. Neither have the will to win, or they wouldn`t spend so much time in nightclubs drinking to excess, which degrades their levels of ability and fitness. Its the English disease I`m afraid, and until it is confronted we will lose again and again.

Again, reaching the last 8 of a tournament where, before the qualifying tournaments start, you could realistically say that a good 50 teams could get to that stage, isn't a disgrace.

England's performance in the cricket however, has been nothing short of disastrous.

I was sat watching it in the Lescar with a few England fans. I was almost embarrassed by the ease with which we won that match. Although the moment that turncoat Pietersen holed out to Nel (memorably described by a Sky commentator as 'a bit unstable') was one of the sweetest in the World Cup so far.

Sorry, but you're not a good one-day side, and you haven't been for a long time. Class shows in the end. You might want to try a few radical solutions, like maybe not changing a winning team for starters.

If you honestly think that reaching the last 8 of a football World Cup is comparable to this miserable performance in cricket, then you have no idea about sport whatsoever.

Reaching the quarter finals of the football World Cup is a tremendous achievement; being utterly humiliated in this tourney is a different world.

Sorry, but I don't see England reaching the last eight in football's World Cup as a 'tremendous achievement'. I view it as bog standard at best. England have blown two wonderful opportunities, especially last year, to go on and win the World Cup in football. Italy won that World Cup and were far from outstanding. In cricket's World Cup, I would view beating Australia as like beating a crack Brazil outfit in footballs World Cup (last year Brazil were anything but a crack outfit - even Ronaldinho had a so-so World Cup). And lastly, look at the millions we shelled out to Ericsson to get us no further than the last eight in two World Cups.:rant:

I just don't understand the tactics and I'm sure they are in place to protect the captains knee. Yesterday was a disgrace. After 10 overs England were 28 for 1 and South Africa were 85 for 1. It just not good enough. We seem to have developed tactics where we defend as much as possible for the first 30 overs and then go for it in the last 20.
We seem scared of the power plays and rather than attack we defend. The power plays are there to encourage hitting and we just block.
It has been a rough winter with what happened in Oz and even though we won the one day tournament we were abject for most of it and the abject form has continued into this world cup. The worst thing is that nobody in the team seems bothered about it and we keep getting the same bull**** about it all coming together when it matters.
The only bright point has been the Sri Lankan game where at least we competed but the rest has been crap and yesterday was the worst out of the lot.
Gutless.
Fletcher has to go and so do a lot of the backroom staff, the captain needs to retire, I think Flintoff needs to look at himself and ask himself if he wants to carry on playing the one day game.

Sorry, but I don't see England reaching the last eight in football's World Cup as a 'tremendous achievement'. I view it as bog standard at best.

Why? You're consistently outside of the top 8 in the FIFA rankings (not always, granted)

England have blown two wonderful opportunities, especially last year, to go on and win the World Cup in football.

Because England aren't good enough.

Italy won that World Cup and were far from outstanding. In cricket's World Cup, I would view beating Australia as like beating a crack Brazil outfit in footballs World Cup (last year Brazil were anything but a crack outfit - even Ronaldinho had a so-so World Cup).

Agreed.

And lastly, look at the millions we shelled out to Ericsson to get us no further than the last eight in two World Cups.:rant:

Throwing money at an international manager is folly.

How on Earth can you compare the England cricket team being in the top 8 with the football team being in the top 8?

There are only around 10 serious cricket playing countries - there are around 60 to 80 half decent footballing nations.

How on Earth can you compare the England cricket team being in the top 8 with the football team being in the top 8?

There are only around 10 serious cricket playing countries - there are around 60 to 80 half decent footballing nations.

Lets ask one question. Are Italy in footballing terms as good as Australia in criicketing terms? Likewise, is France's football team as good as South Africas, New Zealand's or Sri Lanka's cricket team? We have won one Football World Cup - albeit 41 years ago (shortly to be 44 years). Cricket's World Cup has been around 32 years and we have yet to win it - and now it will go on to 36 years.

Lets ask one question. Are Italy in footballing terms as good as Australia in criicketing terms? Likewise, is France's football team as good as South Africas, New Zealand's or Sri Lanka's cricket team? We have won one Football World Cup - albeit 41 years ago (shortly to be 44 years). Cricket's World Cup has been around 32 years and we have yet to win it - and now it will go on to 36 years.

Its hard to compare down to such an exact level, but logically I'd say that since there are more professional footballers in the world and more financial rewards to be had in football you'd expect the footballers to be the more talented sportsmen.

Australia are obviously miles better than the opposition in a way that no team in world football ever is, but I put that just as much down to the weakness of the opposition as the strength of Australia.

Lets ask one question. Are Italy in footballing terms as good as Australia in criicketing terms? Likewise, is France's football team as good as South Africas, New Zealand's or Sri Lanka's cricket team? We have won one Football World Cup - albeit 41 years ago (shortly to be 44 years). Cricket's World Cup has been around 32 years and we have yet to win it - and now it will go on to 36 years.

There are several questions there, but ignoring the semantics, what is your point?

My point is - getting no further than the last 8 in football and not getting further than the last 8 in cricket is failure on both counts in my book.

I just don't understand the tactics and I'm sure they are in place to protect the captains knee. Yesterday was a disgrace. After 10 overs England were 28 for 1 and South Africa were 85 for 1. It just not good enough. We seem to have developed tactics where we defend as much as possible for the first 30 overs and then go for it in the last 20.
We seem scared of the power plays and rather than attack we defend. The power plays are there to encourage hitting and we just block.
It has been a rough winter with what happened in Oz and even though we won the one day tournament we were abject for most of it and the abject form has continued into this world cup. The worst thing is that nobody in the team seems bothered about it and we keep getting the same bull**** about it all coming together when it matters.
The only bright point has been the Sri Lankan game where at least we competed but the rest has been crap and yesterday was the worst out of the lot.
Gutless.
Fletcher has to go and so do a lot of the backroom staff, the captain needs to retire, I think Flintoff needs to look at himself and ask himself if he wants to carry on playing the one day game.

I honestly think he deserves one more series. The series v the Windies starts in a matter of weeks, and we're at home. The First Test starts on 17 May. This winter has been disastrous, and the World Cup was never going to bear fruit, but to have gone out the way we have was deeply, deeply disappointing, but, lest it be forgotten, England are ranked second to the runaway top seeds.

We haven't got time for wholesale changes.

My point is - getting no further than the last 8 in football and not getting further than the last 8 in cricket is failure on both counts in my book.

I don't see that football and cricket can be compared. Equally, you haven't even qualified for 33% of the football World Cup tournaments from 1974 on, so to have an attitude which seems to dictate that you have a divine right to reach the last 8 is somewhat misguided.

Anyway, this is about cricket.

I don't see that football and cricket can be compared. Equally, you haven't even qualified for 33% of the football World Cup tournaments from 1974 on, so to have an attitude which seems to dictate that you have a divine right to reach the last 8 is somewhat misguided.

Anyway, this is about cricket.
It would be impossible to forget that we didn't qualify for the 1974, 1978 and 1994 World Cups. England blew great opportunities to win the World Cup in 2002 and 2006, plus the 2004 European Championships. We failed when we had teams that ought to have been good enough to win it. In 2002, a German team we thrashed 5-1 in Germany only a few months earlier reached the final. And it hurts to think that the teams who eventually won them looked far from invincible. These were wasted opportunities to lift at least one trophy, and it will almost certainly be harder in 2008 and 2010.

The BBC are saying that Fletcher has gone

The BBC are saying that Fletcher has goneColour me surprised...

His performances as a coach recently have been poor, particularly in man management. At times I've wondered whether Chris Read ran over his cat or something.

The BBC are saying that Fletcher has gone

caught, bowled or LBW?

Don't forget the situation England were in when Fletcher took over. OK we are still rubbish at One Day Cricket but we were at the bottom of the Test rankings when he took over and are now second.

Its rare for an international coach to remain in position for more than 4 years and there are good reasons for that - it is time for a change.

caught, bowled or LBW?

I think in this instance, 'timed out' is more appropriate ........

Time for new management...we have always had a lousy record in one dayers

I thought it appaling that the England fans were booing the players and the team. Disappointed and frustrated yes but it's not cricket to boo. It seems fine for footie fans to boo...Arsenal were 3-1 up the other night at the Emirates and their fans were booing them...it makes you wonder about the intelligence of some so called fans.

Just because you pay a lot of money to support your team or your country here or abroad...the price of the air travel and hotel does not guarantee victory...its not a package!

What a tedious competiton this has been. For the fifth day on the spin, at least, the daily match has turned out to be a landslide, with the result (Aust v NZ) highly predictable from a very early stage. I think there's been about four memorable games and Ireland featured in two of them.

What a tedious competiton this has been. For the fifth day on the spin, at least, the daily match has turned out to be a landslide, with the result (Aust v NZ) highly predictable from a very early stage. I think there's been about four memorable games and Ireland featured in two of them.

Inclined to agree.

Ireland - Zimbabwe
Ireland - Pakistan
South Africa - Sri Lanka
England - Sri Lanka

Were all good games. Dunno about the rest. South Africa vs Australia had potential to be a classic before Smith got injured. Looking forward to the rematch in the semis. I'm keeping the faith.

We're off in the Sri Lanka v New Zealand semi-final. Sri Lanka get 13 off the first two overs, then lose a wicket.

Sri Lanka 13 for 1 after 2.2 overs.

Sri Lanka finished on 289-5. I don't fancy NZ to beat that score.

NZ 28-1 after 10 overs. Even more difficult.
100-2 (20 Overs) Styris going well.
114-5 (24 overs) methinks game over.

NZ 128 for 7 after 27 overs, neeed 162 to win off 23 overs with 3 wickets remaining. Sounds like Mission Impossible for the Black Caps to me.

NZ 128 for 7 after 27 overs, neeed 162 to win off 23 overs with 3 wickets remaining. Sounds like Mission Impossible for the Black Caps to me.

Yes looks like Sri Lanka are in the finals, which I predicted somewhere in this thread.

Still fancy Australia to win it though.

My view on Murali's suspect action is unchanged. Amazed it has been accepted.

Yes looks like Sri Lanka are in the finals, which I predicted somewhere in this thread.

Still fancy Australia to win it though.
New Zealand 149 for 9 - all over bar the shouting.

Muralitharan 4 for 26.

South Africa vs Sri Lanka in the final then.

I can dream... ;)

After yesterday's semi-final having an early predictable winner, the second one has SA at 54-5 after 15 overs against Australia.

How many times can we screw up semi-finals? :(

So South Africa all out for 149, and the Aussies knock them off with only 3 wickets down - yet another demolition job by the Aussies on hapless opponents.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/6597869.stm

The World Cup format "is too long" - official! Shall be glad to see its back and focus on the snooker.

I reckon the final could be a rare close match in this tournament. I think Sri Lanka will be at their best. If Australia are at their best they will win, but they are surely due a match where they play less than perfectly.

The final was reduced to 38 overs, and Australia amassed 281 for 4 off those 38 overs, scoring at well over 7 runs an over - Gilchrist hitting 149.

So Sri Lanka need 282 off 38 overs @ 7.42 runs per over.

Sri Lanka 149 for 3 off 25 overs - need 133 off 13 overs - a very tough task indeed.

Sri Lanka now 190 for 5 off 30 overs - still need 92 to win off the last 8 overs, with only 5 wickets remaining and an asking rate of 11.5 runs per over.

So Sri Lanka end up on 215-8 after 36 overs, and Australia win by 53 runs on the Duckworth-Lewis method, and a match which ends in farce amidst gloomy skies. A third consecutive World Cup triumph for the Aussies.

I think that farcical end sums up the whole tournament.

I think that farcical end sums up the whole tournament.
To sum up the tournament - disappointment as usual for England, shocks galore, a murder, farce, but the usual winners.

Postscript by Simon Hughes in Tuesday's Daily Telegraph saying that meddling officials are ruining the game. Opening par!

"There is a good story, probably apocryphal, concerning Seb Coe and a Chelsea gateman. Coe had turned up for a match at Stamford Bridge as a guest of chairman Ken Bates. At the gate he was asked for his ticket. "Well, I've been personally invited by the chairman," Coe explained. "This is the members' entrance," the gateman replied. "Public entrance is round the far side." Eventually, an exasperated Coe said: "Look, d'you know who I am?" "Nah," said the gateman. "I'm Sebastian Coe." "Well," retorted the gateman, "you'll get round there a bit quicker then!"


Fiasco: Steve Bucknor talks to both captains during the final
We used to laugh about petty officialdom and the mindless obstructiveness of jobsworths, but after the fiasco at Saturday's World Cup final, it has gone beyond a joke."