India deservedly won the Cricket world cup. After losing the "Little Master" early, India chased down Pakistan's 274 to win in stylish fashion. In other cricket news the ICC has reduced the number of teams for the 2015 world cup to ten instead of 15 in order to shorten the competition and make it more competitive. I think this is a great move by the ICC. By reducing the number of teams in the World Cup fans should see more quality matches and all within a reasonable time frame.
That being said though I don't believe that teams should gain automatic selection. To be considered for the World Cup, teams should have to prove that they belong there in the first place. I guess the ICC needs to work out whether the World Cup means letting all countries compete and not just member countries. According the the Daily Telegraph (April 5, 2011) Ireland Cricket Chief executive Warren Deutrum stated that he would not take the ICC's "outrageous" decision lying down. So it will be interesting what happens from here hopefully it is in the best interests of the game, however it is hard not to be sympathetic with any team that gives the English a hiding.
Ricky Ponting also announced that he was resigning from the top job as Australian cricket captain and has handed the reins over to Michael Clarke. Personally I find it strange that Ricky is not resigning himself altogether.
Obviously the choice is Punters alone, but how much more can he achieve as a cricket player? I believe he should leave on his own merits and let an up and coming star make their way into the side. In saying that if he does stay, I hope that when he does leave it is a gracious exit and not because of a falling out with other players. I say this because i think it must be hard for a player to completely remove them self from the top job while still being a part of the side, and I think he needs to do that for Michael Clarke to be able to captain effectively.
The NRL had some close games over the weekend with three games having a two point or less differential. With the Bulldogs losing their first game to the Storm, the top four now stands with the Broncos in the lead followed by The Storm, Dragons and Bulldogs. It looks like this years competition is going to be one hard fought out competition and each week so far has left tipsters and punters alike scratching their heads.
This week also brought up the question of preselection for State of Origin. I'm speaking of course about the announcement that prop Martin Kennedy will be playing for Queensland (should he be selected). There will be much debate on the issue and everyone will have their opinion, but at the end of the day if that's where Martin wants to play then I see no reason why anyone should stand in his way. It seems that the NRL has no problem with a players pledging their allegiance for the Kangaroos even though he may not have been born in Australia, so I personally see no problem with Martin choosing Queensland if that's where he believes he belongs. This is also coming from someone who has been a blues supporter their whole life.
The AFL this week saw why NRL stars shouldn't play AFL after watching Israel Folau fumble around the field to finish the game without even laying hands on the Steeden. I still have to wonder if the AFL made the right move in signing Israel Folau, purely to promote their game. From the outside it looks like an Almighty flop. Israel Folau belongs in Rugby League not on an AFL field and anyone who tells you otherwise is kidding themselves. Although he was obviously focused on money in the beginning, I hope that he comes back to us soon, so we can see more of that magic that he has showed us in the past.
The AFL ladder sees Collingwood and Carlton on top, followed by West Coast and Geelong. With Collingwood and Carlton facing off on Friday night, this weekends action promises to be riveting. Geelong will be boosted by the return of some key players for this weeks match against Port Adelaide and should strengthen their position on the ladder.
So what are your predictions for the week ahead?
Who is the Dark horse in the NRL and/or AFL? and has Michael Clarke got what it takes to lead our great side?
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