The ICC World T20

So it’s not long now until the ICC World T20 kicks off. Having witnessed the flair and style that was the IPL for the past month, I am now well and truly in 20 over mode, and combine this with the start of the English domestic season, there is lots to look forward to! Having played two pre season games during the Easter break from university, I now have to settle for watching it on the telly rather than playing it.

There are a few players that I expect to absolutely shine at this event in the West Indies that kicks off with New Zealand v Sri Lanka at the Providence Stadium Guyana on Friday the 30th of April.

Craig Kieswetter – having made to rather dodgy starts to his international career for England in Bangladesh, Kieswetter then knuckled down to score and uncharacteristically watchful century in only his third game. England will need him to change his approach from cautious to that of a mentalist as he has done for Somerset on numerous occasions, if they are to take advantage of the 6 Power Play overs.

Cameron White – another man who can hit the ball very very hard and very very far, White is a man that Australia will be looking to make some big scores. Once the holder of the highest individual score in 20/20 cricket with 141 not out for Somerset, White is now being viewed as one of the more experienced players in this youthful line-up.

Michael Lumb – thanks to a reasonably successful spell of opening the batting for the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, Lumb has been shot into the international limited overs scene. He’s set to open with Craig Kieswetter and it will be interesting to see how he fairs against some world class bowling attacks.

Daniel Vettori – a class performer thorough and through, Daniel Vettori has carried the New Zealand bowling attack for years now. With everyone raving about how taking the pace off of the ball in limited overs cricket can have a massive affect on the run rate, Vettori is surely one of the most potent weapons in the World T20?! He needs the batsmen to fire though and get some decent totals for him to bowl at.

Shane Bond – having said that Vettori has carried New Zealand, that may have not been the case had this man have been fit more often and not retired when he did. He showed in the recent IPL that his pace and accuracy can be deadly and with slower balls and slower ball bouncers in his armoury, New Zealand could be the dark horses of the tournament.

Angelo Matthews – his IPL for off to an absolute flyer this year but soon fizzled out leading to him eventually being dropped. With his clean striking and good variations in his bowling, he could be the all rounder of the tournament. Let’s hope he brings his A game with him.

Graeme Swann – having had the international career that he has had so far, I predict that the metronomic Swann will keep doing what he does best in 2010. Take wickets (in the first over of his spell) and hit the ball like a mentalist.

All in all, I think I will be pretty much glued to the TV screen for the next few weeks. Things are not looking good for my final year exams that are fast approaching!

Paul