It is ironic that the weather for the build-up to the first games in the ICC Champions Trophy was out of this world and then as soon as cricket clothes are put on by the players then the rain comes.
New Zealand destroyed the United States team as, I suppose, many of us expected. The USA, although having a very vibrant community as regards cricket with over 500 clubs and over 20,000 players, only few play social cricket and it is indicative of their side, which contains two or three players over 40, that they would be unable to handle the modern one-day game.
They, of course, are in a tough group with New Zealand and Australia, and are unlikely to beat either and more likely to concede one-day records for both teams.
England also comfortably disposed of Zimbabwe, although one could see plenty of spirit in the Zimbabwean team. Phil Simmons, who has taken over Zimbabwe's coach, will have a tough job on his hands as they rebuild.
However, I believe that if the USA or any other associate nations are to aspire to the top levels of the game then they have to understand just how tough it will be. The USA has ex-first class players from Barbados and the West Indies and also from Pakistan, but while they are knowledgeable and good cricketers, they are long in the tooth and not fit enough or able enough to compete at his level now!
New Zealand came hard at them and scored a record score; they knew that run difference (no bonus points in this competition) will make a difference if they are to tie with Australia.
I rate the New Zealand team as a force to be reckoned with and having seen Australia in two games recently I believe it will be a cracker of a contest with the result not easy to predict. Australia remains the team to beat, but their form is not as good as it could be in my opinion, and that without Warne they are beatable.
As, of course, will be the Pakistan versus India contest at Edgbaston. I am not sure if you were aware of the fact that the game was sold out in 1 hour and 35 minutes when the ticket sales were opened earlier in the year.
But before we turn to that game, both sides will have to beat Kenya. While India has already done that on Saturday, Pakistan will play their opening game against Kenya tomorrow (Tuesday). Interestingly, the 'A' teams of both sides went and gave Kenya some much-needed first class competition recently and I have to say that I am surprised at Steve Tikolo's outburst against the ICC, who have bent over backwards to help the Kenyan Cricket Association. Kenya are still having internal squabbling about who should run the game and until they sort this out the players will continue to suffer.
The conditions too will be interesting around all the grounds, especially in September. Early morning dew (10:15am start), swing conditions, but quite dry pitches that will turn. We are keeping our fingers crossed for a rain-free tournament. The organizers have allowed two days for each game so, hopefully, most games will finish. There is nothing worse than interrupted games.
The ICC awards dinner held as part of the opening of the Champions Trophy was really good and I was so pleased for Rahul Dravid and Irfan Pathan, who were nominated and presented with awards. It must be a thrill for the players to realize that they have been voted for by their peers. As this is the first awards, the response by those that received the awards was a little muted by Hollywood standards, but they will grow in significance through the years as all awards ceremonies do and one day in cricketing circles will mean the same as the Oscars.
I must say that this tournament is unique in that so many teams stay in one hotel. Going down to breakfast is like going down to a who's who of cricket and it is really nice to be part of something like this. I derive so much pleasure from these moments now and will treasure them forever. Rain or no rain!
