This World Cup sees many players who seem to mirror themselves in terms of capabilities as well as temperament. They might be playing the same role for their team, they might possess skills that make their side unbeatable - or they might be just unpredictable. Who are these players?

Craig McMillan and Russel Arnold - The Comeback Men. Both these players have served their teams for donkeys years - batting in the crucial No. 6 spot. They have rescued their teams from criticial situations when the top order has failed. For the last year, they were dropped from their teams, but have made a strong comeback recently. Mohammed Kaif would also have fitted in this category, but he couldn't get in.

Glenn McGrath and Shaun Pollock - Uncle Scrooge. The senior pace bowlers of their teams, they usually bowl first up, but can also be effective as first change. Miserly in their spells, they typically bore the hell out of the batsmen and get them out. Pollock, though, can contribute with the bat, too. Decent fielders.

Shahid Afridi and Herschelle Gibbs - Mercurial. They can blast any attack on any pitch on a given day, or can get out first ball to an ugly-looking pull to cow corner. They are excellent fielders - Afridi having the edge with his fastish spinners as well.

Mohammed Sami and Ajit Agarkar - Mercurial. These bowlers have promised so much in their careers. Imran Khan always includes Sami in his strategy for Pakistan fast bowlers. But they have failed time and again. They manage to provide the odd performance although Agarkar has been more consistent than Sami.

Virender Sehwag and Chris Gayle - Openers. Both can be explosive on their day. They are safe catchers, and of late Sehwag has been holding some blinders. They can turn their arm over - at least six to seven overs. Gayle has been more predictable with his form but in both cases the opposition teams would do well not to let them settle down.

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