The competition hots up

Is it just me, or have the standards of most of the international teams stepped up a rung or two? It has been fascinating observing the various sides over the last six months identifying areas of their formulae that require an overhaul.

I was fortunate to be in Sharjah a couple of months ago and witnessed first hand the resurgence of Pakistan cricket. Admittedly, they were up against a side that has lost consistent form in the West Indies, but it was the way they clinically carved up the calypso boys that impressed. Their fielding was sharp and disciplined, which, let’s face it, has not always been a trait of theirs. In fact the more I think about it they were calculating, controlled and disciplined and I remember thinking at the time that these guys were well on course for a World Cup dash.

Since then, they have sent a few shivers around the cricketing world by soundly beating Australia at home in a one-day series. They played out of their skins down under and their spearhead in Shaoib Akhtar rattled a few cages.

In sharp contrast the West Indies were extremely disappointing and the less said about them, the better.

In the current series on the go in England, all teams have displayed some form so far, with Sri Lanka just lagging behind. India seems to be holding their own even though their little master is going through a bit of a lean patch. When Sachin is firing, India can beat anyone.

The team that has been most invigorating to watch has been the Poms. They are aggressive, fit, unified and determined. Those attributes have Nasser Hussain and Duncan Fletcher written all over them.

Just check out the development of Flintoff. He has gone from a very ordinary cricketer who really just made up the numbers to a player of intense importance in the England team. He’s found a good yard or two with the ball, he’s found strength and form with the bat and he’s found that fitness work and preparation for games is essential.

Well done Andrew…….but please keep your shirt on!!!!

It is obvious most individuals and their teams are focused and on track for the World Cup campaign, which is just around the corner.

On the home front there’s been a clean sweep of the broom in the South African cupboard and, rest assured, the dust has not settled yet.

South Africa is hurting after last summer and the boys are eager to put the record straight.