England Flattered to Deceive!

If you leave out his indiscretions off the field, Flintoff makes an ideal one-day captain for England. But then, indiscretions are part of mainstream activities now that the players travel most of the time and are away from their families. It is high time England had either Flintoff or Pietersen as one-day captain instead of Michael Vaughan.

Coming to the innings of Pietersen the other day against Australia, that was a superb effort. He is really in the mould of Ricky Ponting. Controlled aggression is the name of the game. The only difference was Pietersen had to slow down a bit, as his side's innings was built around him. He is young and should ultimately take over the mantle, even if Flintoff is made the skipper in the interim.

England appear to be virtually out of contention, with that loss to Australia. I am sure South Africa will do the same to West Indies today unless the hosts come up with an extraordinary effort to stay afloat. Even without Gibbs, who is injured, South Africa should be handful for the West Indies, out to prove themselves after that shock they received at the hands of Bangladesh. But my own hunch is South Africa will not go past the last four. With Australia a sure shot, it is going to be either New Zealand or Sri Lanka in the final.

As for today's match, it is Graeme Smith's turn to stand up and be counted. He has not fired for quite some time now. Today is the ideal platform for him. And for West Indies, it is going to be the pair of Chris Gayle and Chanderpaul who are going to rock today. And, where is Sarwan hiding his immense talent? It is now or never for many in the West Indies team. Oh boy, it is going to be a lip-smacking fair today! I am really looking forward to it.