Predictability, missing spectators, retirements, tragedy and hilarity

Cricket world cup 2007 was at best a step back and at worst, a lost cause. This has been the longest and most lackluster world cup yet. Too many matches went as predicted, the victory margins were huge and individual brilliance was missing, at least till Jayawardena and Gilchrist played brilliant knocks in the final stages. Only Bangladesh and Ireland provided some cheer (or anguish) by their giant killing acts.

Missing spectators – They just refused to come into the grounds, not that they are to blame. The administration apathy was summed up by the St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister - "Our residents have had some time to save", he said in defense of high ticket prices which started at $25 in a nation where the per capita income is $8,000!

Retirements – Lara and McGrath. One of modern day cricket’s most prolific batsmen and the one of best fast bowlers of recent times called it a day. One went out on a high, the other in not so ideal circumstances. Both were a joy to watch and will be hard to replace.

Tragedy – Bob Woolmer loved the game and paid for it with his life. The show moved on.

Hilarity – Australia won the final, celebrated, and then came back on and won it again. Scenes at the final take first place in the bad-judgement sweepstakes.