The Champions Trophy has been a much maligned competition over its duration. It started off as a knock-out tournament, went on to include heavily underprepared associates (cough...cough... USA), and has finally settled on its best format. The top eight teams, the major cricketing nations in a short and sharp tournament where all games matter. This last edition wasn't even meant to be in the schedule for 2013, however remained due to the inability for the World Test Championship to get up and running. In 2017 though, the Test event will occur (we think) which has caused the ICC to signal that each format of the game should have one major tournament. It's definitely the right move, however the fact that now there will only be a one-day tournament every four years means greater potential for more T20 matches.
Anyway I move back to the Champions Trophy, and there is much excitement around this year's tournament. All the sides are relatively closely matched and any team could win especially in the tournament format where every game counts. Below I run through the teams and their chances.
England
The hosts are one of the favourites, however their series loss to New Zealand will increase the doubts around them. Home conditions will help especially over the subcontinent teams. Good chance for the final I reckon.
India
They mauled Australia in their last warm-up match a couple of days ago, and will use this tournament to try and take some of the spotlight off the drama back in India. Should make the semis.
Australia
With Michael Clarke in severe doubt with a back injury, and their frailty against swing bowling being highlighted against India, I sense they might struggle. Don't think they will make the semis to be honest.
South Africa
The perennial under-achievers in global tournaments, however they have won a Champions Trophy. Expected to do well and could challenge for the final, although Steyn's potential absence will hurt.
Sri Lanka
In contrast to above, Sri Lanka have over-achieved to an extent (to outsider's expectations) in global tournaments, however I don't think they'll make the semis here though.
Pakistan
Pakistan were lucky to get away against Ireland and are unpredictable; so are therefore quite difficult to assess. Could be anywhere from first-round losers to finalists.
New Zealand
Darkhorses as usual. Series win over England will give them huge confidence. Will be looking at the group match against Australia to try and land a semi-final spot.
West Indies
Their T20 World Cup win last year has so far failed to translate into any dominant ODI form as of yet. Don't think that will turn around yet.
Full Fixtures
Group
A
Saturday 8th June
England
VS Australia @ Edgbaston, Birmingham
Sunday 9th June
New
Zealand VS Sri Lanka @ Sophia Gardens, Cardiff
Wednesday 12th June
Australia
VS New Zealand @ Edgbaston, Birmingham
Thursday 13th June
England
VS Sri Lanka @ Kennington Oval, London
Sunday 16th June
England
VS New Zealand @ Sophia Gardens, Cardiff
Monday 17th June
Australia
VS Sri Lanka @ Kennington Oval, London
Group
B
Thursday 6th June
India
VS South Africa @ Sophia Gardens, Cardiff
Friday 7th June
Pakistan
VS West Indies @ Kennington Oval, London
Monday 10th June
Pakistan
VS South Africa @ Edgbaston, Birmingham
Tuesday 11th June
India
VS West Indies @ Kennington Oval, London
Friday 14th June
South
Africa VS West Indies @ Sophia Gardens, Cardiff
Saturday 15th June
India
VS Pakistan @ Edgbaston, Birmingham
Finals
Wednesday 19th June
Semi
Final #1 @ Kennington Oval, London
Thursday 20th June
Semi
Final #2 @ Sophia Gardens, Cardiff
Sunday 23rd June
Final
@ Edgbaston, Birmingham
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