The ICC 2007 Cricket World Cup is barely two months away, and the top teams are getting in some valuable practice. Pakistan are touring South Africa,  India are hosting West Indies and then Sri Lanka and Australia, New Zealand and England are playing in the Commonwealth Bank series in Australia.

Let us focus on Pakistan and South Africa. Both these teams' form is variable. They are locked at 1-1 in the Test series with one to go. South Africa have been in good form in the one-dayers, aside tfrom losing to West Indies in the Champions trophy, they have performed well in ODIs over the past year. The  Pakistan bowling attack is delivering the goods with Mohammed Asif is looking good and if Shoaib Akhtar returns tothe one-day squad, they will be a handful.

As far as the India-West Indies series is concerned, it is too early to comment. The West Indies have been in good form ever since defeating India in the Caribbean last year. They have every chance of becoming the first host nation to win a World Cup on home soil. India need to strike the right balance -  when the bowlers contribute, batsmen don't and vice-versa. So these two warm-up series are crucial for their World Cup preparations.

Sri Lanka are also inconsistent, but they have the talent to upset any team. They have all-round depth and this will help them in the Caribbean. New Zealand are also inconsistent, but with Shane Bond and Daniel Vettori, the Kiwis have a good bowling line-up. But the batting is inconsistent, which is clearly where the priorities should lie over the next month.

Of the top test teams, England look the most demoralised. Their ODI record over the past year has been poor. After the Ashes hammering, it will take something  special to lift the Cup. It seems that the World Cup might be destined for a record fourth time to Australia. With bat and ball there is strength in depth and their superb fitness regime ensures runs are saved in the field. Can they be defeated?

Cricket is a funny game, and perhaps there can be an upset. The keyword is going to be consistency, and that is where the Aussies excel.