They're not because they're contrived to get a result, and that is against the ethos of the game.
What ??!!!!
where do you live ? 1924 ?
result oriented sports......as i see it you should be thanking one-day cricket, because of it cricket is still alive and going.
Wasim is past it now, and to suggest you'd select him (7 Test wickets in 7 matches since July 2000) over Gillespie is ludicrous
well....you still haven't given anything on the REAL statement......
With Gough in the squad, the English attack would be
certainly better then that of India. Without him though its not clear who has the edge. Interesting, the previous World Cup was dominated by bowlers, perhaps thats prompted all of us to delve into a discussion regarding the relative strenghts of bowling attacks.
What about the batting strenghts ?
India are at the top with a powerful batting line-up. True conditions will be testing, but I dont think that they will find it too hard to adapt to them. They should get it figured out pretty quickly and then we'll be in for some entertainment.
Australia and South Africa make it close seconds with a lot of depth in the batting. Players like Bevan, Martyn though tip the balance in Australia's favour.
Then I guess its Sri Lanka, Pakistan, England and West Indies. Not sure how to rate these four, I suppose something like
Sri Lanka
Good strikers at the top and solid middle order give them the edge over Pakistan. Batsmen such as Arnold and Jayawardene can really give the stick to the opposition.
Pakistan
An array of stroke players, but prone to collapse, fail to deliver half the time. No good openers to suplement the dependable Inzi and Youhanna. Still some good batsmen in their,who if deliver can compile healthy totals. Also they
tradiotnially adap to to bouncy and fast conditons pretty well. Can expect some
good batting displays from them.
England
Same as Pakistan, too many collapses, but Trescothik has proved to be a player who can play good, big innings and has been supported ably by the middle order.
A little consistency needed.
West Indies
In the light of the current series this may seem ridiculous, but against quality bowlers in testing conditions, I am not sure the West Indian batsmen will be able to prosper as they have done recently. Still though, a fairly attacking unit, who have the aggression and technique to amass good totals.