England look formidable

England stages yet another triangular tournament. Of course, the papers here are always full of triangles of the scandalous sort but the cricket authorities have been snooty about 50-overs cricket and entertaining the masses. Finally, they have relented, and this week India and Sri Lanka are the guests, fighting for the trophy and also to remind locals that soccer is not the only game worth playing.

England will start as red-hot favourites because the Lankans have been playing poorly and are missing their main bowler whilst the Vindaloos have been on the road longer than Marco Polo. Not that England has chosen its strongest team. Nowadays, the habit of relying on specialists in this abbreviated form of the game has fallen into disrepute as these fellows are exposed as charlatans- most of them, anyhow.

Ian Bell

Even the Aussies choose more or less the same side, though a couple of aging Waughs have been put out to pasture (both are fit and ready and watched Australia's recent collapse against Shoaib's legal and fierce pace with the greatest interest)

England continues to pick lightweights in its party at the expense of substantial and promising cricketers like Ian Bell, who bats a bit like Sachin though without his mercurial genius. Also Robert Croft was ignored despite an inspired contribution as Wales trounced England in a warm-up match. These Celtics have been given assemblies and are still not satisfied!

Moreover, England must play without its leading bowlers because Andrew Caddick and Darren Gough are hors de combat . Gough was sent on holiday to Tenerife or some other sunspot but looks overweight. Hope he does not read that, as the last time I described a cricketer as carrying a few extra curries, his indignant wife chased me all around Africa. Cannot imagine why, as it was a great compliment to her cooking!

Inevitably, India will rely on its batting to win matches. Really, the bowling does appear threadbare and the side is a little unbalanced. Still, the batting is powerful and it is good to see Sehwag back amongst the runs. He did not deserve the punishment dished out by Mike Denness; and nor did Sachin. Really, that entire affair was ridiculous and, perhaps, best forgotten.

Virender Sehwag

Cricket finds it easier to chastise players from this region, and western powers have failed to keep their own house in order -- especially over throwing and corruption. Sourav is also a key player in this Indian side as he can give the innings impetus and also ease the pressure upon himself. 'Gangles' is not terribly popular in England and does seem to ask for trouble. I still believe his good points outweigh the bad but he should show a little more dignity and only fight those battles that amount to more than a hill of beans.

Despite Sachin and Sehwag and even Very Very Special Laxman, I am tipping England to take the trophy. Nasser Hussain is a fine captain and Duncan Fletcher is a firm and well-organised coach. England also has the comforts of home, a wide choice of players and familiarity with pitches and weather. India has the ability and will to win some matches but might depend too much on its formidable batting to carry the day.

No, it must be England. But, then, Argentina and Italy were going to win that soccer tournament that has just been completed.

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