Warm ups continue in World Cup

Well, round one isn't exactly done, but I can't wait. First up, Sehwag came good on his promise to bat through. So the criticism that he couldn't stay put if Tendulkar has a bad day in office can perhaps be put away. On all wickets except perhaps Mohali and Mumbai, India therefore have a huge advantage.


Mohali gives the pacers something as does Mumbai due to the sea breeze. Sehwag did everything he promised - revenge, bat through the overs and more. Plus, he has called Bangladesh an ordinary side in the past and so never wants to lose against them. Can he keep it up? It seems like he has some new steel. With Kohli at number 4 and not five, India have hit the right combination despite Yuvraj's indifferent batting form.

Pakistan brushed aside Kenya with much more purpose than we have expected out of Pakistani teams of the recent past or the ones led by Inzy. The key change for me was Afridi and Waqar setting a target of 120 for the bowlers. The fact that they got there shows a level of resolve reminicent of the Pakistani teams that used to routinely take care of business against India through the late eighties and nineties. This is a team I just can't get enough of.

SL, Australia and England did well to win their matches. South Africa might do the same tomorrow. New Zealand had a surprisingly easy win too. So the first round was nothing more than a warm up for the real stuff coming in the next few weeks.

Ho hum.