Ashes clashes

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How quickly the rollercoaster world of T20 has changed. Even a week ago Asian domination of the event was being spoken of. But now Australians and Englishmen are looking forward to a pre-Ashes T20 showdown in the Caribbean since both teams are likely to have reached the semi-finals without losing a game.

A word of caution here. The rice pudding of a pitch at the Beausejour stadium in St Lucia may have been tailor made for the Asians since it suits their style of play immensely while giving them immense relief from the bounce of the Kensington Oval.
Graeme Smith of South Africa, who led the cricket world’s most famous chokers to yet another defeat in a global event, is convinced that England alone are capable of testing Australian firepower with bat and ball in the event. “Having played against England, they played positive cricket against us. If they can maintain that level of play then I think they are probably the one team left that can challenge Australia’s pace attack,” Smith says.
Paul Collingwood, England captain, is aware of the jinx with England being the only major Test-playing nation not to have won a global event. We all know we haven’t won an ICC trophy,” Collingwood said. “In the semis, and if we get through to the final, I won’t be bothered who we’re playing. Winning would be an exceptional effort,” he said.
The game is notorious for having the last laugh. While Asians are appreciative of the efforts Australians and Englishmen have taken to plan this assault on the T20 world championship, they are still hoping the Sri Lankans or the Indians who are likely opponents along with Pakistan in the semi finals for the Ashes adversaries will pull off upsets to preserve their monopoly on the global event played to the shortest format.