Cricket World Cup 2011

[KevinGage]

They went with Prior opening a while back, think he even got into the ODI side initially doing that. It didn't work out. He might make a better stab of it now.

I can see the argument for not tinkering too much and jeopardising the form of a guy who looks comfortable coming in at 3 (Trott). But I think we've become too conditioned to having to work around players who aren't hugely adaptable and only seem to have any degree of success in fixed positions (KP, Bell). 

Trott's technique is basically sound, he doesn't seem to get flustered regardless of the match situation and he's capable of getting big runs. He might not be as explosive as some of the others, but if he and Strauss can build a solid platform at the top -even without the Sehwag- like fireworks- it makes it easier for the other guys coming in.

Morgan takes care of any concerns about the middle order, so they can dick about with Bopara/ Bell for 3/4.

FWIW I reckon they'll go with Bell though.

[TheTimVilla]

I almost agree with you, Bazzwald. The only difference is that I wouldn't play Colly, I'd shift the lower order up one and play Tredwell at ten. We've got to go in with two spinners, Trott can bowl his Collycutters and I'd even prefer to see Bell lob a few pies than see Yardy bowl! That's potentially 30 overs of pace, 20 of spin, with back up from Bopara & Trott if required (ie when one of our quicks breaks down...).

[VillaZogmariner]

I almost put a little disclaimer next to Collingwood saying that if it looks a more spinner friendly pitch to put Tredwell in.

I'll admit to not knowing much about the wickets in Bangladesh, but I do remember KP moaning about one of the wickets when we toured there last year, and a bit of research tells me that was Chittagong.

This is the first match of the tournament there, and unless they have dramatically changed the pitch I can't see it being that spinner friendly.

[VillaZogmariner]

Broad is a doubt for the game against Bangladesh with another side strain injury. (Clicky)

Sky saying that it's the other side to his latest injury, but could still rule him out of the tournament.

[Dave Cooper please]

Shazad or Tremlett then?

[Dave Cooper please]

Ros Taylor for NZ, on his birthday, celebrates by being dropped badly twice early on and going on to bring up his century by slapping Akhtar all around the ground.
Great fun.

NZ have just got 50 of their last 3 overs.

[Dave Cooper please]

This is fucking fantastic from New Zealand, Oram's just got out but he and Taylor have just had a partnership of 85 in 22 balls!

[ADVILLAFAN]

Averaged 20 an over off their last 5 overs. Could actually be an exciting game.

[VillaZogmariner]

45 Overs gone and it was 202-5
50 Overs gone and it was 302-7

What a fantastic end of the innings, especially from Taylor. From 200-300 took just 29 balls - that was amazing.

EDIT - It was 5 wickets down not 6

[DB]

45 Overs gone and it was 202-6
50 Overs gone and it was 302-7

What a fantastic end of the innings, especially from Taylor. From 200-300 took just 29 balls - that was amazing.

Blimey! Come on NZ!!!!

[VillaZogmariner]

Taylor's got from 31-131 in 67 balls. 75-131 (56 runs) in just 19 balls!

[DB]

Pakistan 1 down already.

[PaulWinch again]

Good grief 100 runs off 5 overs!

[VillaZogmariner]

Vettori going down injured though isn't going to help the Kiwi cause.

[Chris Jameson]

At least this tournament is proving the 50 over game still has a future thankfully, much prefer it to the 20/20 nonsense.