Twenty20 is being touted as the future of cricket. Some feel it's a joke, while it has made others fall in love withthe game all over again. The fact off the matter is that Twenty20 is here to stay. Now, with the first World Championship, there is no better time to preview the game.

There are 12 teams participating in the inaugural championship. All have brought in an influx of younger players, with senior stars rested. According to South Africa captain Graeme Smith, a new generation of players will emerge - and it will take more then just powerful hitting to win the tournament as has been the case in the domestic version of the game.

In the international version, the captain has to think on his feet and find creative ways to use the bowling at his disposal. Slower bowlers have a key role to play; batsmen need to pace their innings with intelligence, and fast bowlers need to maintain a tight line and length.

'England's problems lie in the top order where there is no consistency and they lack serious spin options as well'


The teams have been divided into four groups of three. Group A has hosts South Africa with Bangladesh and West Indies. The Proteas might struggle with their one-dimensional bowling attack while the Windies have potential, but due to their poor recent bowling form I will not be putting my money on them. Bangladesh have very young team (no player over 25) and despite this, they are more than capable of pulling off an upset.

Group B consists of Zimbabwe, Australia and England. Now that Ricky Ponting has said that Aussies are taking this format seriously, other teams had better watch out as they have a very balanced side. They are expected to reach the finals, but the shorter the format the better the chance other teams will have.

Then we have England, who have shown decent form of late. Paul Collingwood has proved to be a competent captain and the fielding is sharp. Their problems lie in the top order, where there is no consistency, and they lack serious spin options as well.

If they can overcome these upper order worries and if Kevin Pietersen fires, then they can be a serious threat in the super eights. Zimbabwe have a young and motivated side but it seems unlikely that they will go far in this tournament.

Group C has Sri Lanka, New Zealand and Kenya. The Lankans will come closest to threatening Australia. Muttiah Muralitharan is out  but with Lasith Malinga's swinging and superstar batsmen like Sanath Jayasuriya, Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene they will be a handful. New Zealand have a new captain in Daniel Vettori  who will lead an experienced side, with bowling expertise and big hitters like Jacob Oram and Scott Styris.

In Group D are the unpredictable Pakistan, inexperienced India and Scotland. Pakistan and India are unlikely to pose a threat. Pakistan lack experience in the middle order, while India have a dubious top order and a propensity for being generous in the field. They could also be the surprise package of the tournament.

Fasten your seat belts for a thrilling journey.

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