Holy Smokes! What all has happened in 4 days time!

I had casually mentioned upsets by minnows in the previous post, but Ireland knocking Pakistan out and Bangladesh pushing India to the brink has changed the whole complexion of the tournament. All this took a back seat though, due to the shocking death of Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer. He was truly one of the most influential figures in international cricket and as the first laptop-wielding coach (with the super successful South African team of the late 90s), pioneered the use of technology in the modern game. Inzamam resigned as Pakistan captain and retired from the one-day game. An inglorious exit for a great player who has seen both ends of the spectrum in World Cups, having announced himself so emphatically as a 22-year old in the '92 edition. Pakistan cricket is in a state of complete disarray with the PCB chairman and the board of selectors handing in resignations. Freddie Flintoff's latest drinking binge got him dropped for a match and also stripped him of the England vice-captaincy. The poor guy reportedly fell off a pedal boat and had to be fished out of the water. It might be a blessing in costume, the captaincy stuff was cramping him as a player. Andrew Strauss seems like a better option as England captain.

As for India, the Sri Lanka match becomes all-important now. The match against Bermuda was good to get some confidence back. The batting lineup showed resolve and blasted to India's first 400 plus score. I distinctly remember the match when India went past 300 for the first time. This was against Pakistan in Sharjah and Azhar launched into Ata-ur-Rehman's last over, carting a couple of sixes and a brace of fours. Azza was in the midst of a form slump and this burst came out of nowhere. He was shaking in nervous anger and for some reason, seemed to be mouthing off little Sanjay Manjrekar, who was at the non-striker's end.