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Mumbai: Twenty20 cricket has emerged as a big threat to the 50-over One-Day International format. The 2011 World Cup therefore faces a big challenge in terms of its acceptance and popularity.
A few former stars who have essayed memorable roles to help their sides lift the World Cup at different times - Clive Lloyd (West Indies), Aravinda de Silva (Sri Lanka) and Michael Bevan (Australia) - spoke to TOI on modern-day cricket, the worries and the future. Excerpts...
Clive Lloyd (Led West Indies to victory in 1975, 1979 World Cups)
Does the dipping West Indies cricket graph rattle you?
Don’t forget that it’s a new and young team which is taking part in the Test matches against Bangladesh. I thought the players did pretty well considering that they made a good score in the first innings, maybe with experience they would have done well. I don’t think there’s anything to be sorry about since the players were pressed into service at a critical time.
Will this affect WI’s ODIs performance too?
A loss is a loss. We now have to strategise for the future. We need to sort the problems very quickly and have a strong team in the future. We can match any team in the shorter version. We only have to be consistent.
For the shorter version, West Indies seems to have a very good side under Chris Gayle. Do you agree?
It depends on how Gayle and the West Indies Cricket Board feels. Also, what views the coach and manager hold of him. It is up to the board to see if he can stay on or not.
Aravinda de Silva (vice-captain of Sri Lanka’s 1996 Cup-winning team)
You won the 1996 Cup in Pakistan. Today, Pakistan seem to have lost out on the opportunity to be a co-host. Your views?
I don’t know if they (the ICC) have already decided, but we in Sri Lanka surely feel for them. We’ve gone through the same situation (in 1996 as hosts) and we therefore understand how one would feel during such times. I’d be happy if Pakistan can host a few games, but they will need to ensure safety on all counts, which is a matter of big concern.
Does the arrival of T20 pose a threat to the ODIs and the World Cup?
Not exactly. There is ample material for spectators in whichever form they want to watch and enjoy. Every format is available and I’m sure people would want to enjoy each version.
Your favourites to win the 2011 World Cup?
Sri Lanka and India have the right combination, but only if they play to their potential. They will also need to improve their fitness levels.
Michael Bevan (played in three World Cup finals in 1996, ‘99, ‘03, Win tow 1999 and 2003)
Will the 2011 World Cup see a very different approach to the 50-over game?
I think the 50-over stuff will change because of Twenty20. Players will have to adapt, develop new shots and score more quickly. We saw that happen in Test cricket when the scoring rates changed, I guess that will happen now in the One-dayers too.
If you were part of a World Cup team today, would you play differently?
You have to play with your own style and strength. I always played according to situations, but I would have approached ODIs differently today. In my time I came in to bat at No. 6 in ODIs and my job was to finish or chew up the overs. In ODIs, you are now looking for batsmen who have strike rates of 80-plus. in the 1990’s, it was 70-plus.
Today, in 20-over cricket, I as a coach, look at guys with a 125-plus strike rate. That’s where you have to set your standards. The key for me is consistency and you gain it by choosing good game plans, by increasing the number of strokes.
Where would you place Australia for the next World Cup?
Australia have had a great run from the 1990s till date, but now there has been a big change in personnel. The current team will take time to come to that level. They need to improve their performances, they’ve been lean in ODIs and T20s in the last one year.
Any favourites?
Sri Lanka, India and Pakistan are being tipped to clinch it, but I would include South Africa among the favourites to win the 2011 Cup.
