Pace can win or lose for Aussies !

Aussies bank on their fast bowling trio of Lee, Tait and Johnson, with Bollinger and Hastings to support.

Ponting has already warned India that he will unleash Tait and Lee at 150 kph, to unsettle their batsmen.

But the fact that they are bowling on subcontinental pitches blunts their pace advantage.

Undoubtedly Australia and SA have the best pace atttack. SL has the best spin attack and India, a formidable batting line up.

Merit is merit and luck is luck. We find that only when Luck is allied to Merit, can victory emerge.

How closely linked are Luck and Merit
Never to these fools doth occur
The Philosopher's Stone, if they have it
The Stone would lack the Philosopher ! ( Goethe )

Luck has been defined by many.

Luck = Opportunity + Preparation
Luck = Care + Diligence


Why India is the 3/1 favourites


Because the matches are on subcontinental pitches
India has the best batting line up
India has maximum all rounders ( similar to the formidable 1996 SL team )
India gets one month rest + one more month rest before the quarter finals. The trio of Gambhir, Sachin and Sehwag did not play in SA, because of the impending WC.

etc

Why SL is ranked second

SL has the best spin attack
A good top order


etc

Why Aussies and England ranked third

Both have got good pace attacks
A good top order

Why Pak is 8/1 favourites

They have a good pace attack.
A good top order.

etc

Why SA are 11/2 favourites.


SA has a formdible side, no doubt, but devoid of WC experience.
They have to break the semi final jinx.