It’s just champion

How refreshing to find a cricket tournament with only the top teams competing, resulting in entertaining matches, unpredictable results (match-fixing notwithstanding) and a tight schedule meaning that the winners will be known only two-and-a-half weeks after the start!

Bizarrely, given the attractive nature of the competition, this may be the last time that the Champions Trophy is staged with the International Cricket Council (ICC) keen to introduce a Test Championship by 2017 while also retaining the T20 competition. Indeed, the Test Championship has only been delayed as there was a lack of broadcaster support for the original 2013 projected date.

Reigning world champions and currently the top-ranked one-day side, India, have adapted fastest to English conditions and recent rule-changes. Following on from a 243-run demolition of Australia, despite having been 55-5 at one stage, they then easily accounted for a Steyn-less South Africa in the tournament opener. 

Dhawan dominated an opening century partnership to give India a solid start, continuing to hit a hundred of his own following the dismissal of Sharma, while some late pyrotechnics from Jadeja bolstered the total.

Peterson and AB de Villiers fought back after a shaky start yet it was the loss of three middle-order batsmen that undermined their reply, ultimately falling … 26 runs short.

Two-time defending champions, Australia, managed to improve on their performance in their warm-up game when they were dismissed by India for a paltry 65. Unfortunately this still resulted in a defeat in the first of a remarkable 26 matches these two teams will play against each other in the next 12 months. England’s total of 269 didn’t look to be enough yet their bowlers restricted the normally free-scoring opening batsmen and coasted home, their winning margin of 48 runs reduced significantly in the final overs thanks to some lusty blows from Faulkner who made it look like a contest.

The West Indies will have fond memories of this competition as the last time it was played in England (2004), they beat their hosts in the final, thanks largely to an unbroken ninth wicket stand of 71 between recognised bowlers, Courtney Browne and Ian Bradshaw.

They certainly got off to a good start defeating Pakistan in a low scoring contest at the Oval. Pakistan skipper Misbah-Ul-Haq was left stranded on 96 not out although this represented the majority of their under-par total of 170. Roach and Narine did the damage with three economical wickets apiece.

In response the much-vaunted Windies, including the tournament’s all-time leading run-scorer, Chris Gayle, batting line-up failed to fire, relying on Ramdin and Roach again to see them home by a nervous two wickets.  However, it is not the result that will be remembered, rather the offence of which the West Indies’ wicket-keeper, Denesh Ramdin, was charged after the match.

‘Conduct contrary to the spirit of the game’ is the official charge after the ’keeper appeared to allow a routine catch to spill from his gloves only to then appeal for the dismissal. The Carribbean crew will hope that this does not undermine their title charge despite Ramdin being fined 100 per cent of the applicable match fee and suspended for two ODI matches after being found guilty of a Level 2 breach of the ICC Code of Conduct after Monday’s disciplinary hearing (Ramdin can appeal the decision to a Judicial Commissioner, within 24 hours).

An even closer nail-biter followed between New Zealand and Sri Lanka. Despite Angelo Mathews’ batsmen only posting 138, their bowlers responded with perennial shoot-out slinger, Lasith Malinga, claiming four wickets. 

At one stage the Kiwis lost three wickets in eight balls and their ninth wicket with five runs still required (after an umpire-requested referral), yet their nerves were calmed and victory was secured thanks to a leg-side wide from the otherwise accurate Tillakaratne Dilshan.

So, who will win? 

History is against England as the hosts have never won this tournament in six previous outings and only ever reached the final twice. The seam-friendly conditions and new regulations, meaning there is a new ball used at each end, should play into their hands. However, recent form would suggest they lack the consistency required to make it all the way.

Of the other teams in Group A, Australia, already fielding an inexperienced side, have been hampered further by the loss of their skipper, Michael Clarke, to a back injury. 

Sri Lanka have a squad that includes some of the most experienced one-day internationals in the world and combined them with others who have never left their country! The chance of success is likely to depend on how the likes of Dilshan and Sangakkara can build a platform to allow Malinga to devastate the opposition. 

New Zealand complete the group and will be familiar with English conditions following their recent tour. In Brendon McCullum they boast a match-winning batsman and Mitchell McClenaghan’s left-arm swing brings them control and wicket-taking potential. The return of Daniel Vettori also provides a boost to enhance their chances.

Group B appears far more likely to house the eventual winner. India carry form into the tournament, despite having been preoccupied by the Indian Premier League. They have inexperienced seamers yet a batting line-up that would be confident of defending any total.

That said, the West Indies have some of the most destructive batsmen in global cricket and cannot be discounted, particularly with an experienced and varied bowling unit. However, it may be their motivation and consistency that costs them.

The same could be true of Pakistan, the nomads of world cricket. Misbah-Ul-Haq, as demonstrated in the opening match, brings them the leadership they have lacked.

Let’s hope they still have a chance of qualification when they face arch-rivals, India, in their final group game on June 15 – that would bring real spice to the tournament.

The great enigma is previous hosts, South Africa. Of all sides they appear to have the most balanced squad comprising quality batsmen capable of adapting to conditions and different match situations and bowlers that should be well-suited to English conditions, as demonstrated on their last tour. 

So, what prevents them from being more successful in recent tournaments? This is perhaps epitomised best by a gag doing the rounds that they have thrown away so many chances that the last piece of kit to be issued to players is a sponsored choker!