I didn't speak too soon. England completed a rain-affected (DL) win over Australia to win the CB tri-series, the first time Australia have lost in these finals in over 100 years, err 14 years. Didn't catch much of the match as it was constantly interrupted and I had to endure a painful India-SL match (which, India, true to form managed to lose), but still one heck of a performance from Freddie and co. Dalrymple's catch to dismiss Watson epitomised the final. The Aussie batting line-up is looking worryingly brittle and the old men in the Channel nine commentary box were close to tears by the time it all ended. And to those (primarily Aussie expats) who may argue that England sneaked a win, consider that of the six matches in this series, Aus-Eng stand at 3-3 with England winning three in a row and importantly the two that mattered.
Hats off to England, once again. They are getting some momentum going into world cup. Pieterson's return should strengthen them further. For my take on Aussie weaknesses see my earlier post. The world cup should be cracking. Of the eight 'big' teams, only Pakistan seem to be in doldrums. So that's seven teams fighting to fit into four semi-final spots. Can't wait.
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